The Scottish Government has today published a timetable for the removal of the temporary safeguard measures introduced in Scotland on 23 August following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.

The measures, which include a 20-day standstill on farms that animals had moved, the requirement for veterinary presence and the suspension of separation agreements, will end once the Foot and Mouth Disease surveillance zone in Surrey has been lifted.  This is subject to final tests on the animals within the zone, which is expected to take place on 8 September.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "I am pleased that are we now in a position to make this final step in returning industry to normal and to plan around that.

"In practical terms, this will mean just a couple of more days in standstill to what would otherwise have been the case.

"Scotland's livestock industry has been a through a disruptive and anxious period.

"But it has shown remarkable patience and resilience in recent weeks and the Scottish Government will continue to work with industry to support a speedy recovery."