Business information

Livestock restrictions in place in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire Trading Standards are again working closely with livestock farmers to protect the county in light of the new outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.

Officers contacted all 600 holdings across the county yesterday afternoon [12 Sep 2007] to offer advice and check on their bio-security arrangements after confirmation of the outbreak near Egham.

The Government has imposed a ban on the movement of all livestock in England, Wales and Scotland, except under licence.

Controls are in place on the movement of animal carcasses; and animal gatherings, shearing and dipping are also restricted.

The Hertfordshire countryside remains open as usual for the public however, with no new restrictions on footpaths or fields.

Hertfordshire Trading Standards is advising keepers of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats to check their animals regularly for any signs of disease.

For up-to-date information, ring the Defra (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) helpline on 08459 33 55 77, or visit www.defra.gov.uk.

The website contains information about foot and mouth and some commonly asked questions.

Trading Standards Animal Health Officers can be contacted on 01727 813849.