The Standing Veterinary Committee adopted a Commission proposal allowing the UK to export fresh sheep and goat meat from certain areas in Great Britain under strict conditions, for the first time since the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The export of farmed and wild game meat from certain areas will also be allowed.
The distribution of fresh sheep and goat meat will be allowed from holdings in the areas already authorised to export fresh pig meat since 22 October and fresh bovine meat since 30 October (counties of eastern England and Wales, Scottish counties and Scottish islands). The dispatch of fresh farmed and wild game meat will also be allowed in certain areas. The authorisation concerns all the counties that have had no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease or have remained free of the disease for more than three months.
Mr David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection declared that the EU will continue its policy of gradually lifting protective measures in regions considered completely free of foot-and-mouth disease.