Livestock transport hit hard by foot and mouth

Livestock hauliers have been hit hard by the foot and mouth outbreak, with DEFRA banning all livestock movement within England, Scotland and Wales.

A spokeswoman at Cheltenham, Glos-based Edward Gilder Transport says: "We've tried to find a way around the ban, but we can't move any animals at all. We're in DEFRA's hands."

DEFRA confirms: "The ban will be in place for the foreseeable future. We won't keep the ban in place any longer than it needs to be."

The European Commission has banned British exports of meat, milk products and livestock with some exceptions including: animal products prepared before 15 July those treated to inactivate any viruses and those manufactured in Great Britain but derived from animals reared overseas.

The Road Haulage Association advises operators to check with ferry operators that specific loads will be allowed through the ports.

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