FMD headache 'far from over'
11/09/2007
The UK Leather Federation has welcomed the announcement last week from the government's chief veterinary officer that the country is officially free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), but it believes the recent outbreak will continue to cause problems for the leather, hide and skin sectors.
There were outbreaks of the disease at two farms in Surrey in August, but the government has tested thousands of animals in the last two weeks and found no remaining trace of FMD. It has now lifted a surveillance zone around the affected farmland.
There were outbreaks of the disease at two farms in Surrey in August, but the government has tested thousands of animals in the last two weeks and found no remaining trace of FMD. It has now lifted a surveillance zone around the affected farmland.
The industry body's director has told leatherbiz.com that trade in leather, hides and skins with the rest of Europe was now "more or less back to normal". But he made it clear that there were still restrictions in other markets.
Treated hides and skins pose no threat to animal health because of the temperatures and treatments they have to withstand during the tanning process. However, some countries still require a veterinary health certificate, which can only become available to UK traders after 90 days of negative testing for FMD in the country.
Mr Pearson said: "While we appreciate the efforts of the various government departments in containing the outbreak and in opening up trade, there is considerable concern that the impact on downstream industries is not fully understood or appreciated.
"Exports to certain parts of the world still face restrictions – often without any scientific justification because of the processes that have taken place."
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