Livestock warning to farmers

Livestock restrictions are still in place throughout Cumbria

Trading standards officers have warned Cumbria farmers they must continue to abide by livestock movement restrictions following the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The warning follows the prosecution of farmer who was forced to pay more than £3,400 after admitting several offences under the Animal Health Act 1981.

Michael Gillett, of Kilncroft, Thackthwaite, Dacre, near Penrith, was fined £1,200 by Penrith magistrates for six charges of breaching the 20-day standstill rule imposed on livestock.

He was also fined £600 over separate charges that he failed to accurately record animal movements, and a further £100 for failing to provide a movement record to an inspector.

Gillett was also told to pay £1,500 court costs to Cumbria County Council, which brought the prosecution.

'Rural economy'

A spokesman for Cumbria Trading Standards said risks of contamination were still high and officers would remain vigilant in tracking down offenders.

He said: "The 20-day standstill rule was introduced following the total movement ban imposed during foot and mouth as a balance, while the risks were still high, between disease prevention and farmers' needs.

"Although now reduced to six days, there is a continuing need to abide by the restrictions and recording regime.

"This is needed to ensure that if disease does recur, it can be identified, traced and eradicated as quickly as possible.

"There are still risks to the rural economy."

Gillet admitted moving 141 sheep from Kilncroft to Cockermouth only five days after bringing sheep bought at Longtown mart to Kilncroft.