Livestock markets will be allowed to open from Monday following the easing of restrictions imposed after the two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey.

Cattle, sheep and pigs can also be taken to shows under the new relaxed regulations but the 20-day standstill rules on moving livestock still remains.

Auctioneer Graham Ellis, of Stanfords, said Colchester’s market on Tuesday would be operating for sale of cattle direct for slaughter. He hoped the market would run as usual the week afterwards if Defra lifted further restrictions.

Peter Howell, of the Norwich Farmers’ Livestock Market, said the aim was to reopen the market on September 10 selling a range of stock.

Chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said: “Having considered carefully a veterinary risk assessment of allowing animals to move to livestock markets and agricultural shows, I have concluded that these can start from Monday as part of our staged risk-based approach to easing controls.

“A number of additional conditions apply while the surveillance zone remains in place and it is critical that these are adhered to strictly by everyone involved.”

Posted: 08|31|07 at 9:02 am. Filed under: UK News.