The Farmers' Union of Wales today welcomed the news that Bluetongue restrictions on the export of sheep and cattle from Great Britain are to be lifted next month.
"We are very pleased to learn that these restrictions, which have been in place since the 2007 Bluetongue outbreak, will be lifted on July 5," said FUW president Gareth Vaughan.
"I understand the last confirmed case of Bluetongue in GB was in 2008 and the results of surveillance carried out in November 2010 show there is no evidence of Bluetongue virus circulation in GB. All samples were negative for all BTV serotypes.
"This is a very positive outcome for Welsh farming but, naturally, everyone involved with the industry must continue to be mindful of the effects of this highly infectious disease and do all they can to make sure it does not return to our shores," Mr Vaughan added.