TIGHTER IMPORT CHECKS TO "STOP THIS EVER
HAPPENING AGAIN" - NFU
The NFU today called for an urgent tightening of
the controls protecting Britain and Europe from illegal meat imports after
suggestions that this is the most likely cause of the foot and mouth outbreak.
NFU President Ben Gill said farmers would be "livid" at the
suggestion that illegal commercial imports carrying the virus may be to blame
for bringing the entire farming industry to its knees in the space of just a
few weeks.
He said checks on both travellers bringing in meat for personal consumption and
commercial food imports where meat can be hidden in consignments of other goods
must be stepped up at ports, airports and other borders.
The use of sniffer dogs, employed in foot and mouth-free countries like New
Zealand, and clear signs warning travellers of the dangers of bringing in
foodstuffs, should be looked at.
He said: "British farmers have worked their guts out during these
desperate times to ensure their production standards are amongst the highest
anywhere in the world. The suggestion that illegal commercial imports, not
produced to these standards, have caused this disaster leaves us fuming with
rage.
"It is quite unbelievable that a consignment of meat which should never
have got into this country could have could have paralysed British farming in
this way in just a matter of weeks."
Mr Gill said that it was right that all the avenues to stop a foot and mouth
outbreak happening again were explored - including looking at the use of pig
swill and the movement of sheep, cattle and goats.
He said: "There is no doubt that the number of repeated movements of the
same sheep at the beginning of this outbreak has been a factor in the spread of
the disease. We agree the issues need to be looked at and will be consulting
with our members.
"Careful consideration needs to be given to the proposals for a ban on pig
swill and we are happy to play a full part in this. But it must be pointed out
that the feeding of swill has taken place for centuries.
"We need to look first and foremost at the checks in place to stop illegal
foreign meat imports. This must never be allowed to happen again."
On vaccination, he said: "We see no grounds for vaccination to replace the
slaughter policy. However, limited vaccination might be necessary if we cannot
reduce the gap between reporting and slaughter.
"We therefore fully support the Government's decision to ask permission
from the Standing Veterinary Committee so it can use limited vaccination
immediately if necessary."
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