Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
TEMPORARY FMD CONTROL PERMITS FOR HUNTING
TO END FROM SEPTEMBER 30

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2002/020906d.htm

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael announced today that the remaining permit systems for hunting, introduced as part of Foot and Mouth Disease control measures, will cease from September 30.

This follows the lifting of the last restrictions on farmers which arose from the Foot and Mouth outbreak. The date for the lifting of the last restriction order is September 24.

The current permit system has been in effect since February 2002, aimed at preventing incursions by hunts on to premises that remained under Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions.

Following further veterinary advice in respect of risk, the Minister has decided that by the end of September, there will be no need to maintain a permit system for disease control purposes. All FMD restrictions on farm premises in England and Wales will have been lifted by that time.

Notes

1 Hunting with dogs was banned on February 23, 2001, under FMD legislation to prevent the spread of disease. After a veterinary risk assessment, it was allowed to resume on December 17, 2001 under a temporary permit system. The permit system for hunting was simplified on February 11, 2002, after a further assessment. Full details of the current permit system can be found on the DEFRA website: defraweb/footandmouth/rural/hunting/index.htm

2 The last confirmed case of FMD was on September 30, 2001. Farm premises may remain under FMD restriction for 12 months where secondary cleansing and disinfection has not been carried out.