Animal movement ban eased again

The restrictions were further eased on Thursday

Restrictions on the movement of animals in Wales have been relaxed further for welfare reasons.

Farmers will be allowed to move livestock within a holding, up to 3km to meet "acute animal welfare issues".

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones announced the changes, to start from midnight on Thursday, but said the industry "should remain vigilant".

A UK-wide ban was put in force on 3 August following the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey.

Since an easing of restrictions last Friday, Welsh farmers have been allowed to move animals for welfare reasons subject to "strict conditions".

Announcing the latest easing of restrictions, Ms Jones said: "This has been done based on the latest veterinary assessment.

"Our priority continues to be keeping Wales free of foot and mouth disease and I would ask those in the farming industry to continue to be vigilant.

"I am grateful for the continued support of the farming community at this time and I would continue to ask people to support Welsh produce and buy Welsh."

Additional conditions and guidance to veterinary inspectors has been provided to take account of particular processes within the pig industry.