Defra announced on Friday that subject to there being no change in the disease situation and the completion of the necessary surveillance testing , the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD ) Surveillance Zone will be lifted today.

Following extensive surveillance in the FMD Surveillance Zone no further cases of FMD have been discovered. However , the current Restricted Zone , and movement restrictions that apply in this zone, remain in place.

DEFRA are involved in ongoing discussions with the European Commission regarding further changes to allow the easing of export restrictions.

"Animal Health has completed extensive surveillance work in the FMD Surveillance Zone and the negative results now allow us to lift the Surveillance Zone which will be welcome news to many farmers. However farmers must remain vigilant and continue to check their animals for signs of disease twice daily. " said Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer , Fred Landeg.

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