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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th March 2012
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MEPs vote to end EU-US trade war
Long-awaited normalisation of trade in beef predicted

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of raising the EU's quality beef import quota to 48,200 tons after the US Department of Agriculture published a draft Bill to bring US bovine import conditions into line with the World Organisations for Animal Health's (OIE) own standards on BSE, thus signalling the conclusion of a long-running trade war. The final count stood at 650 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and 11 voting against, and the approval took place at the first reading. The new import quota will come into force in August 2012.

Welcoming the news, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (A German MEP responsible for drafting the report which was voted upon) said “This long-lasting trading dispute will end today. This is a win-win resolution for the EU. Parliament has taken a step that will enable the EU agricultural industry to plan ahead again and that will strengthen transatlantic trade links.”

The vote has also been warmly welcomed by the UK farming sector, which stands to gain from the improved trading conditions and renewed access to the large US market. Commenting, National Farmer's Union Chief Livestock Advisor Peter Garbutt said “This move would open up further export opportunities for UK producers and I believe we can be positive and optimistic about our market prospects in the future.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.