Need for vigilance in the aftermath of FMD and CSF.

The last confirmed case of FMD in the UK was recorded on 30 September 2001. Since then, all counties in Great Britain have been classed as FMD free for the purposes of licensed movements of animals, following an absence of outbreaks of disease for at least 3 months and extensive serological surveillance of sheep and goat flocks. On 22 January 2002, the OIE (World Animal Health Organisation) restored the UK’s FMD-free status as far as international trade is concerned. On 5 February 2002, the EU’s Standing Veterinary Committee voted to remove the remaining FMD restrictions on intra-community trade in live animals, fresh meat and animal products from Great Britain.