This is becoming an increasing problem in the area with many herds of cattle and commercial animals, including alpaca, now subject to movement restrictions. The Government are soon to undertake a National Review of the situation, however, it is unlikely that this will be in time to save a number of local dairy herds. We are in the process of making representations for and on behalf of a number of clients, via the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, to the Meat and Livestock Commission both at national and EU level and are hoping for a local forum to be put together to discuss the concerning situation especially within The Downs. If any livestock owners/farmers wish to channel comments through us to these bodies we would be more than happy to receive them.

As a result of the above, nationally pre movement testing will be required in many cases by the end of the month. In the event of this being required prior to the sale of any animal it is hoped that local markets will provide a facility for tests to be carried out on site before animals are put under the hammer. Depending on previous her history, in the large majority of cases, animals travelling straight to the slaughter house from their origin of production are likely to be exempt from this regulation.