Get ready for quarantine units

7 Sep 2017 12:39 PM

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs and Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer have advised livestock keepers to be fully prepared for the implementation of Quarantine Units next week.

From Monday 11 September, livestock keepers in Wales will be able to choose between using an approved Quarantine Unit (QU) to manage livestock movements or continuing to adhere to the Six Day Standstill (6DSS) on their whole holding. 

The new arrangements simplify the standstill regime and allow greater flexibility for livestock keepers, while maintaining movement control to prevent the spread of disease.

Lesley Griffiths said:

“We have developed Quarantine Units so livestock keepers have an alternative option to the Six Day Standstill arrangements. From next Monday, each individual livestock keeper will have more flexibility and be able to decide which approach - QUs or Six Day Standstill - best meets their requirements. I would advise livestock keepers, who have not yet done so, to familiarise themselves with the Quarantine Units operational rules and requirements.

Christianne Glossop added:

“QUs were developed at the request of, and in close collaboration with the industry. I am confident the additional flexibility available from Monday addresses issues raised by the industry around the Six Day Standstill whilst protecting against the spread of disease.”

More information on Quarantine Units and detailed guidance on their operational rules and requirements are available on the animal health and welfare pages.