The FMD outbreak in Surrey, which occurred on Thursday evening, has now been confirmed officially and the movement of livestock is prohibited throughout the UK.

Information can be found on the Defra website at  http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0803.htm

Following the outbreak of FMD in 2001, RBST secured the possibility of exemption from slaughter on contiguous holdings with 'rare breeds', and a Breeds at Risk Register has been compiled to identify holdings which qualify.

It is essential that you apply for inclusion on this Register if you have not already done so. Application is straightforward and in your own interest and that of your animals.  

Go to the RBST website www.rbst.org.uk  and follow the links, or to http://www.grassroots.co.uk/cgi-bin/start.cgi/BAR/bar_start.html

Meanwhile, observe prudent bio security measures, by minimising access and maximising cleanliness. Keep in contact with the Defra and RBST websites. RBST staff and senior Trustees will be standing by to take action and help members.

Dawn Teverson, Conservation Officer

Any opinions or other information in this message that do not relate to the business of RBST shall not be construed as either given or endorsed by it.