We have published guidance, agreed with the veterinary profession, on the biosecurity measures which farmers can take to help protect their animals from infection. Where cattle are not culled they will be subject to regular veterinary patrols. This can be expected to provide some relief from automatic slaughter of cattle. They will not lead to change in the policy of culling of pigs and sheep on contiguous premises. Pigs pose a high disease risk and can spread the virus rapidly.
Sheep can carry the disease without showing symptoms, thereby causing further undetected spread.
Nucleus breeding flocks of rare breeds of sheep of particular genetic merit may be spared in the national interest, provided they can be isolated from other susceptible livestock and managed in compliance with tight biosecurity. In addition separate guidance exists for hefted sheep. Final cleansing and disinfection of the premises has to be completed, signed off, and a minimum period of 21 days has to elapse before livestock can be reintroduced. Animals can only be moved onto the premises under licence issued by the local Animal Health Office. Whether or not a licence is issued will depend on the local disease situation.