Hunting resumes as foot and mouth restrictions lift

Hunting around the UK resumes today (17 October) following DEFRA’s lifting of foot-and-mouth animal movement restrictions in England and Wales. Hunting, shooting and stalking are now permitted across the UK.

The high and low risk foot-and-mouth (FMD) zones and protection zones have been abolished — another sign of growing confidence that the disease is under control.

Restrictions are expected to remain in the surveillance zone until at least 5 November, but subject to continual review.

“We’re never 100% confident, but all the signs are good,” said a DEFRA spokesman. “The decision has been taken following extensive surveillance in the area, and is in line with EU rules.”

Restrictions are expected to remain in the protection zone until at least 5 November, subject to continual review.

• See how the foot and mouth situation has developed over recent weeks.
• Send your opening meet details and photos to hheditor@ipcmedia.com for inclusion in an online gallery to celebrate the start of the hunting season

Read the MFHA’s thoughts on the lifting of restrictions, plus the views of hunts closest to the foot and mouth outbreak, in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (18 October, ’07)

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