Unrecognised infection is most likely to be present on farms within 3km of an Infected Premises, and least likely on farms in Provisionally Free Areas. However, provided that animals are slaughtered within 48 hours of leaving the farm, and that vehicles are clean and disinfected before use and immediately after unloading, the risk from any of these types of movement is low, though greatest for markets and least for direct movements from farm to slaughterhouse. The greater risk at markets is associated with the mixing of animals, farmers and others who have handled livestock, leading to contamination of clothing and footwear and indirect transmission of infection to susceptible livestock elsewhere. At Risk Areas if the other precautions which are recommended are implemented. Veterinary inspection before movement from farms in Infected Areas is essential.
Markets carry a greater risk because the mixing of animals and people is less easily controlled.
Slaughter markets should not be licensed, even in Provisionally Free Areas, at this time. Slaughterhouses and collecting centres can be approved and licensed in infected and or in controlled areas. All movements should be to premises situated in the same or in a higher risk category area. Animals from farms in an Infected Area must be slaughtered within the same, or in a contiguous Infected Area. Safe disposal of animal by-products, including manure and slurry is already controlled by the 1983 Order, as amended.