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Cattle And Sheep Vets Welcome Review Of Livestock Movement Controls

Author: BVA
Posted: Monday 21st August, 2006. 00:00:00

The British Veterinary Association's cattle and sheep divisions welcome the Review of the Livestock Movement Controls.

Commenting on the Bill Madders report, Andrew Praill from the British Cattle Veterinary Association said: "The recommendations that he makes provide a realistic approach to rationalising what has become an overly complicated and easily misunderstood set of regulations. Anomalies have been addressed and this will assist in aiding compliance.

"Concentrating upon the core reason for movement regulations – that of disease control at farm and national level – the recommendations will be of significant benefit, when and if implemented, in assisting with biosecurity which is one major issue at the core of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.

"The hope is that the implementation of the recommendations together with rationalisation of identification strategies will also contribute to the efficiency of electronic real time recording of livestock movements and the formation of a National Livestock Register."

Paul Roger, speaking for the Sheep Veterinary Society, added: "The 21 recommendations are practical and sensible and should simplify the present system. This should increase compliance and therefore improve national biosecurity.

"The changes simplifying movement rules will encourage legitimate and careful movement of livestock without penalising any sectors of the livestock trade unnecessarily.

"In particular, the emphasis on biosecurity and the importance of a control strategy to minimise the risk of introducing or spreading disease highlights the importance of having sensible movement regulations that encourage compliance. The raised awareness of the disease risks posed by movements of livestock is an issue that is central to the survival of the industry."

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