UK – Cumbria, Durham and North Yorkshire have been declared free of foot and mouth, leaving Northumberland as the only county in Britain to remain affected by the disease.

The results of blood testing in Northumberland are still being awaited, although the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) expects the county to be declared ‘free’ shortly. Until that time all animals must be blood tested before they can be moved, and even then they can only be transported within that county. In Cumbria, Durham and North Yorkshire this requirement is no longer necessary, although a licence is still needed for every movement around the country.

Once Northumberland is free of the disease the UK government must gain approval from both the European Commission and the Paris-based international organisation OIE before Britain can be officially declared disease-free. A country cannot regain its disease-free status until at least 90 days after the last case was reported. This milestone was reached on 30 December.

Elsewhere, Bridget Drew, director of ADAS Consulting, has been made an officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the dairy industry in the New Year’s honours list.