Defra ‘beefs up’ BSE safety measures

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has strongly welcomed moves by Defra to further tighten up controls to prevent older cattle entering the food chain as part of the safety measures against BSE.

Defra Minister Jim Paice today announced that he has written to the 18,000 keepers of animals born or reared in the UK before 1 August 1996 to inform them of the new movement restrictions being placed on them.

These additional controls are being introduced in response to a Government investigation that found illegal trade in these animals by a few individuals.

The livestock keepers are being informed that no cattle born or reared in the UK before 1 August 1996 will be allowed to move from their holdings without an individual movement licence.

Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said:

It is unfortunate that the illegal activities of a few individuals have caused Defra to introduce these additional measures, but we strongly welcome the initiative.

BSE had a devastating effect on the UKs livestock industry, but it has been successfully brought under control by strict adherence to the legislation.

The additional controls announced today will only affect a small number of owners, but will ensure that our safety measures against BSE remain robust.