EU eases foot-and-mouth bans

Restrictions on the movement of sheep remain

European Union veterinary experts have agreed to relax foot-and-mouth restrictions on the movement of cattle and pigs in most of the 15-nation bloc.

An EU-wide ban on the movement of sheep and goats remains in force.

The move reflects growing confidence that the disease, which is well established in Britain, will not spread further in mainland Europe.

All curbs on Britain, including the transportation of livestock and meat exports, are to be kept in place at least until 19 June.

Meanwhile, a Danish embassy official in Washington has said a US ban on the import of pork, livestock and other fresh meats from Denmark could be lifted as early as this week.

Dutch ban eased

So far more than 1,560 British farms have been hit by the foot-and-mouth virus, but the incidence of new cases has fallen sharply.

Parts of the Netherlands can resume meat exports

Around 2.5 million animals have been slaughtered in Britain since the start of the outbreak in February.

Last week UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the race to eradicate the disease was being won.

The Netherlands, where more than 25 cases have been detected, is to be allowed to export meat, dairy and other food products from certain parts of the country from 10 May.

A ban remains on exports and animal movements from the high-risk areas surrounding the town of Oene and Friesland province, in the north of the country.

EU veterinary officers also said they were studying Uruguay's vaccination programme, and could resume meat imports late in June.

The committee is due to meet again on 16 May to review the measures.