Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) – Department Response & Update

Updated Information: 25 February 2008

The World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) Scientific Commission has officially declared that the UK has regained freedom from FMD without vaccination, following a three month disease-free period. The OIE declaration marks the next step towards strengthening the UK’s position for lifting the FMD-related import ban on agricultural commodities in non-EU countries.

Updated Information: 8 February 2008

The recommencement of the importation of livestock into the Island has now been agreed, during the vector-free (Bluetongue) period within the UK and certification has been agreed with DEFRA. However,the Department is advising the industry to show self-restraint and keep importations to an absolute minimum at least until the vaccination issues are resolved. Applications for approved isolation premises and import licences are now available, from the Animal Health Division.

Updated Information: 5 December 2007

The Department is pleased to observe that the remaining Restricted Zone in Surrey was lifted on 19 November 2007; the Department has ceased the disinfection of vehicles given the reduced risk.

DEFRA have now lifted the ban on personal exports of meat and dairy products from Great Britain. This does not permit the importation of items that are normally subject to restriction. In particular, the Department reminds individuals that imports of fresh or frozen beef and lamb are prohibited under The Dead Meat (Import Regulation) Order 1968.

Arrive Clean : Leave Clean!

For the latest DEFRA news releases please see the DEFRA Foot & Mouth website pages.

The Department’s priorities are

To minimise the risk of FMD being introduced to the Island;
To minimise the potential for spread of the disease within the Island should it occur;
Prepare and hold, in a high state of readiness, the contingency plan and equipment necessary to combat an outbreak.

Useful documents:

Please note – Any queries should be directed to DAFF Animal Health on 685844 or by email: Animal.Health@gov.im and not the contact details identified on the DEFRA documents.

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Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) – Department Response & Update