The FMD outbreak in Surrey, which occurred on Thursday evening, has now been confirmed officially and the movement of livestock is prohibited throughout UK.
Information can be found on the defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0803.htm
Following the outbreak of FMD in 2001, RBST secured the possibility of exemption from slaughter on contiguous holdings with 'rare breeds', and a Breeds at Risk Register has been compiled to identify holdings which qualify.
It is essential that you apply for inclusion on this Register if you have not already done so. Application is straightforward and in your own interest and that of your animals.
Go to the RBST website www.rbst.uk.org and follow the links, or to http://www.grassroots.co.uk/cgi-bin/start.cgi/BAR/bar_start.html
Meanwhile, observe prudent biosecurity measures, by minimising access and maximising cleanliness. Keep in contact with the Defra and RBST websites. RBST staff and senior Trustees will be standing by to take action and help members.
Dawn Teverson
Conservation Officer
Registered Charity No. 269442
Stoneleigh Park,
Nr Kenilworth,
Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7669 8767 Fax: 024 7669 6706
Sunday, August 5th, 2007
For more details on the RBST Breeds at Risk Register, click here