UK – Cattle markets in England and Wales are allowed re-open from Monday, nearly a year after they were closed to try to curb foot and mouth disease.

Cattle movement restrictions are also to be lifted, the UK government announced on Tuesday. That means licences are no longer needed prior to moving cattle, and animals can be moved under general licences, although movements must still be recorded.

The changes come after England and Wales were declared foot and mouth free in January.

Announcing the changes, UK food and farming minister Lord Whitty said: “We must strike a balance between the needs of industry and the vetinary advice that some disease control precautions are still necessary.” Under the new animal gatherings order, cattle markets will need to be licensed by the department for environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA). Licences will be granted to markets with good biosecurity to try to prevent further outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Each auction market will be required to have its own biosecurity manager.

Although the news is a boost for the UK dairy industry, restrictions on pig and sheep movements still remain.