Defra Press Release

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia update: changes to movement restrictions in Yorkshire

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Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Ref: 381/06
Date: 10 August 2006

Following advice from the National Control Centre (NCC), based at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Defra has redefined the area subject to movement restrictions.

The immediate effect of the redefinition will be to permit all fish farming businesses situated in the catchments of the rivers Derwent, Rye, Wharfe, Aire, Calder, Don and Rother to move live fish to other parts of Great Britain.

The movement restrictions will, however, remain on the catchment area of the River Ouse from its sources to the Normal Tidal Limit at Naburn Lock, and will apply to all fish farming and processing businesses on the catchments of the Rivers Nidd, Ure, Swale as well as the river Ouse.

To provide extra safeguard, a buffer zone with heightened surveillance has been established between this redefined River Ouse catchment and the river areas no longer subject to specific movement restrictions. Movement restrictions will also apply within this buffer zone.

Investigations into the outbreak indicate only a low risk of spread of VHS from the redefined restricted area to the remainder of Great Britain.

As a result of the redefinition, the current suspension of the Great Britain approved zone in respect of VHS is lifted with immediate effect, except for the area remaining under movement restriction. Trade with areas of the EU with VHS “approved zone” status may therefore recommence from all farming establishments now included within the redefined GB approved zone.

Ministers with responsibility for fish health in Great Britain agreed to the redefinition of the designated area on the basis of expert advice that indicates only a low risk of spread of VHS from the redefined restricted area to the remainder of Great Britain. They also made it clear that enhanced surveillance and risk mitigation measures must be applied in Yorkshire and all parts of the GB zone with full co-operation from fish farmers.

Notes to editors

1. A new Designated Area Order will be made shortly to reflect the changes to the redefined area. In the meantime, for the avoidance of any doubt, farms remaining subject to movement restrictions as outlined above will remain subject to the requirements of the Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) Order (No. 2) 2006.

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