Restrictions on the movement of animals imposed in the wake of the UK's foot and mouth outbreak are to be eased despite a precautionary cull at a third farm in the south of England.
The collection of dead animals from farms outside the 10-km protection zone in Surrey; and the movement of live animals direct to approved slaughterhouses will be permitted from midnight, Britain's chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said.
The ban on other movements of susceptible animals remains in force. The Welsh and Scottish governments have announced similar moves.
The decision comes despite a cull at a third farm in the vicinity of the two with confirmed outbreaks. The destruction of the livestock was a precautionary measure because the spread of the disease other farms could not be ruled out.
Asked if she believed the situation was under control, Ms Reynolds said it was still "very early". And she insisted the decision had not been made out of financial concern but was based on her own assessment of risk.
"We have got two infected premises and a new premise that has been culled on suspicion. The risk of spread outside is low but not negligible."
The European Union moved quickly to ban all British exports of fresh meat, live animals and milk after the outbreak was confirmed.
EU veterinary experts met in Brussels today and this eveing announced all measures would remain in place.
"It was felt that it was best to keep the whole of Britain as a high-risk zone for the time being on the understanding that we can of course review this when we consider it prudent to do so," a spokesman said.
Farmers from Northern Ireland have been affected by the ban though they are not subject to it.
Exports to Japan and Germany were stopped because those countries believed Northern produce fell under the ban but Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said today the message was getting out to internation markets that Northern Ireland produce was safe.
The North's Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said: "The matter is being raised with the Japanese authorities and the USA administration advising them that we are free from Foot and Mouth Disease and that it is business as usual.
"I will continue to press this point and do all in my power to ensure that everyone understands our special status. We want the EU to also ensure that they reflect this to their members."
The British National Farmers' Union president Peter Kendall welcomed the easing of restrictions, describing it as a "measured and very necessary first step" to normalising supplies.
"But it should not be taken in any way as a signal that we can afford to drop our guard. It is as vital as ever that livestock farmers remain vigilant, check their stock regularly and report anything suspicious immediately," Mr Kendall said.
Agencies