August 10, 2007

British pork supply movement back to normal

The re-instating of licensed movement of pigs in England and Wales from farm to abattoir at midnight last night (8 August) was fantastic news for hog raisers, according to British Pig Executive Chief Executive Mick Sloyan.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has announced that cattle, sheep and pigs outside the Foot and Mouth Surveillance and Protection Zones are now permitted to move direct to slaughter under a general license.

Livestock must strictly travel direct from individual farms to authorised abattoirs and vehicles must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected before leaving the abattoir.

Sloyan said the approval would relieve pressure on farms as well as an important step to get the market back to normal.

However Sloyan still urged all trade players to remain extremely vigilant and to implement the highest standards of biosecurity as the country is undergoing rigid resolution to address the outbreak.

The loss of the export market would eventually mean more meat in the country and the threat of depressed prices.

If marts do re-open, it would be as collection centres only and it could be some time before actual sales are held.

There are more than 7,000 livestock farmers in Yorkshire and the North-East.

David Maughan, who farms near Darlington and is a member of the North-East regional livestock board of the National Farmers' Union, laments it was heartbreaking to see exports banned just a year on from the re-opening of markets.