February 28, 2008

Defra launches livestock market roadshow

UK's Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) kicked off its livestock markets roadshow at Cirencester Market in England, the first of 80 visits to market towns.

Defra animal health officials aim to personally communicate with farmers on relevant issues about the need for vigilance and rapid reporting of new and existing animal diseases.

Furthermore, officials will remind farmers of existing legislation and the new EU welfare and transport regulations, pre-movement testing and ear-tagging.

Jeff Rooker, minister for Farming and Animal Health and Welfare, said the roadshow will notify the farms about diseases, the need for vigilance and animal welfare requirements.

Rooker pointed the need for farmers to help in fighting diseases especially after the recent UK outbreaks which damaged farming industries.

The key themes of the show include vigilance on bluetongue, welfare and transport of livestock, mad cow disease and biosecurity.

Since January 5, 2008, it has been a legal requirement for all transporters and livestock road hauliers to possess authorisations and Competency Certificates, when transporting livestock for distances exceeding 65 kilometre and in connection with an economic activity.

Defra's mobile units will make it efficient for representatives to answer farmers' queries about disease prevention.