Go-ahead given for meat exports

Date: 08/11/01

EU VETS have given the green light for a resumption of exports of sheep and goat meat from parts of the UK for the first time since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease early this year.

The decision by the standing veterinary committee follows last month's partial lifting of the ban on pork and beef shipments, and affects the same areas.

Health Commissioner David Byrne said the decision to allow exports to resume "under very strict conditions" had been taken on a region-by-region basis.

Areas given the all-clear include certain counties in the east of England and Wales, the Scottish Islands and much of mainland Scotland.

Exports of sheep and goat meat from parts of the UK are to resume for the first time since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease early in 2001.