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The following update contains information provided by DEFRA, LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) and Devon County Council.

Update on Devon situation

There continue to be no cases of Foot and Mouth in Devon. Key messages are vigilance, maintain excellent biosecurity, Devon countryside is open and welcomes visitors.

Devon County Council's Trading Standards Service helps to lead Devon's front-line to prevent and combat the spread of disease in animals. As part of the County Council's response to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Surrey, an online service is available providing a round up of County Council news and information, links to DEFRA for the national picture, and advice line contact details for the farming community.

The online service alsolooks back to 2001 and the lessons learned in Devon.The official report of the Devon Foot and Mouth Inquiry makes fascinating reading and many of its findings were implemented by the Government in its reform of the national contingency plan.

Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Service Animal Health Operations Centre is operating normal office hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4:30pm on Friday, but hours will be reviewed should the situation change. The centre can be contacted on 08451 551999

Update on national situation

Defra has issued the following statement regarding the return to Foot and Mouth Disease free status:

"The timetable for the UK’s return to foot and mouth disease (FMD) free status has been updated. The 10km Surveillance Zone in Surrey will be lifted on Saturday (8 September) at the earliest, subject to no further changes in the disease situation.

The remaining restrictions outside the Surveillance Zone will also be removed on this same day.These restrictions are:

• 20 day standstill for livestock
• A more restrictive requirement for movements within Single Occupancy Authority in England and Wales
• Suspension of the separation arrangements that normally apply in Scotland
• Additional requirements for livestock markets and shows.

Imports and exports

The European Commission Decision on exports adopted on 23 August lapses on Saturday 15 September.There is a possibility that this could be revoked earlier, but it will not be before the Surveillance Zone is lifted. The additional veterinary certification required for animals and their products dispatched to the European Union will remain a requirement until the decision falls.

The earliest date for the UK to regain internationally-recognised FMD-free status is 7 November, three months after the last case. Restrictions on direct exports of livestock from the former Surveillance Zone will remain in place until this status has been regained.

General information

Information, data and regularly updated Q&A briefing is publicly available on the Defra website.

The Defra FMD helpline will now be operating 8am until 8pm seven days a week, rather than the previous hours of 6am until 11pm. The number is 08459 33 55 77.