The implementation of Quarantine Units to manage livestock movements which had been postponed until after the current Agricultural Show season is to be introduced next week , the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs has announced.

Lesley Griffiths decided to delay the introduction of Quarantine Units (QUs) from Monday 12th June to Monday 11th September following representations by farming unions and other livestock industry representatives on behalf of livestock keepers wishing to attend agricultural shows this summer. 

The delay meant livestock keepers were able to attend agricultural shows using their existing Isolation Facilities without the obligation to meet the full requirements of the six day standstill regime. It also allowed them more time to put in place QUs on their holdings.

Movements into a QU will not trigger a 6DSS on a main holding, allowing other animals to be moved off while the incoming animals observe the standstill in a QU. 

"Working with industry representatives we have developed these new arrangements to replace the complex exemptions around isolation facilities and Sole Occupancy Authorities for cattle, sheep and goats. QUs will simplify the standstill regime and provide greater flexibility while maintaining movement controls to help prevent the spread of disease."

There are no changes for pigs to which a 20DSS rule applies. Pig keepers will be able to continue to use their approved isolation facilities to manage movements. 

Key principles of QUs:

• Biosecurity and practical requirements must be met in order to prevent the introduction and spread of disease.
• QUs must be certified by a Certification Body, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). A fee will be charged for this service.
• Animals must remain in a QU for six days before they are moved to the main holding. Different rules, similar to those for approved isolation facilities, will apply to show movements. 
• QUs will be allocated a unique CPH number and movements into and out of QUs must be reported via the Cattle Tracing System or EIDCymru for sheep and goats. 
• Farmed holdings can have up to two QUs which can be indoors and/or outdoors.
• QUs will be subject to unannounced in-use inspections by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). 

"We have written to all registered livestock keepers in Wales to remind them that this change is coming and provide an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Quarantine Units operational rules and requirements. Following the successful completion of all system tests we will write out to all registered livestock keepers again to advise them that they can start applying for Quarantine Units."

Detailed guidance on operational rules and requirements is available from the Certification Body website .

"It is imperative that, if farmers wish to have a QU, they read the Certification Body guidance and start preparations now."