RHA Recovery Group says "Give us a break Mr Livingstone"
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"Foot & Mouth Disease will hit rural hauliers hard" says RHA
The latest outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease represents a further significant threat to the rural economy says the Road Haulage Association.
As Livestock Hauliers suffer a second ban on movements, delays on animals going to market or slaughter will not only affect farmers cash flow in the short term but will be the final body blow for many rural hauliers who still have bills to pay while their wheels aren’t turning.
The loss of operators, and more importantly livestock drivers, to the industry will be a severe restriction in the meat supply chain leading to higher prices in the shops and severe animal welfare problems in the fields.
Secretary of the Association’s Livestock Carriers Group Roger Wrapson says “Animal production doesn’t stop just because DEFRA says there has to be a movement standstill. At this time of year thousands of sheep have to be moved, perhaps through markets, to meet up with the rams. There is currently only a very limited transport capacity to meet the demand. This demand is now significantly increased by the restriction on movement. It is vital that DEFRA address the issue of help, both financial and practical, to Livestock Transporters to keep the supply chain operating effectively.”
LATEST UPDATE as of today's date, the ban on the export of animal products has been lifted. However, these products MUST be DEFRA certificated before they can move.
Go to http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm for further information
