AN EASING of laws controlling livestock movements - in place since the foot-and-mouth disease crisis of 2001 - has been welcomed by organisers of the New Forest Show.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced this week that they were lifting a rule forcing all livestock to be isolated for six days before and six days after attending each country show.

The total of 12 days quarantine restricted the number of shows that farmers could get to with their prime cattle, sheep and goats.

From May 30, DEFRA have reduced the isolation period to six days at the beginning of the showing season and six days at the end, as long as all animals are checked by a vet as soon as they arrive at a show.

New Forest Show spokesman Jackie Neylon said: "This is great news for us, as the New Forest Show draws competitors not only from the Forest but from far and wide.

"With the busy programme of shows across the country, the previous order seriously reduced the number of events which farmers could take their stock to, and dramatically cut the number of people able to see the wonderful diversity of animals in this country."

A DEFRA spokesman explained that a 20-day standstill was imposed on all livestock in the aftermath of the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak which led to the slaughter of thousands of animals across the UK.

"Later this was reduced to six days either side of a show, and now has been further relaxed. But farmers must note that the ruling only applies to cattle, sheep and goats. Pigs are still subject to the 20-day rule," he said.

The New Forest Show 2003 will take place at New Park, Brockenhurst from July 29 to 31.