Brits Loosen Rules
On Hoof And Mouth

LONDON —(AP)— Hoof and mouth restrictions are to be partially relaxed to allow farmers to overcome ``practical difficulties'' in rearing animals and getting them to market, the British government announced Monday.

A new license will be introduced allowing unrestricted movement within a 12-mile radius, and the rules that stipulate compulsory blood tests before animals can be moved will be relaxed, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.

The department also declared another 12 areas free of the airborne disease, which isn't fatal but weakens animals and harms trade.

The new license is designed to help farmers who may have land and livestock scattered within a confined area and who are currently unable to move their animals. The license, which will be granted after farms have been inspected by veterinarians, will be granted deginning Oct. 8.

Sheep flocks in counties still considered at risk will not require blood or serology tests before being moved.

The department acknowledged it is relaxing the rules partly because of bureaucratic considerations — under current rules, a delay of seven to 12 weeks has been anticipated in issuing some licenses.

``These changes ... will meet a number of practical difficulties and reduce the calls on serology capacity,'' said Agriculture Minister Lord Whitty.

There have been 2030 cases since the outbreak was first reported on Feb. 20 and the department said the epidemic is not yet over.

``We are cautiously optimistic but it is too early to make any prediction about the end of the epidemic,'' said a spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity. ''We must not let down our guard.''

Areas now considered free of disease are: Worcestershire and south Gloucestershire counties and the cities of Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, Dudley, Selby, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and York.