The Basque Country has lifted the ban on holding livestock fairs, but will maintain measures to control nodular dermatosis

The Basque Government has decided to lift the ban on holding livestock fairs in force since last October. The measure was introduced last October following the detectionof nodular dermatosis of cattle in various communities of the Spanish State and in France. However, the Government will maintain a package of measures to reduce the risk of the disease entering and spreading in the Basque Country.

The Agriculture Adviser of the Basque Government, Amaia Barredo, has confirmed that the restriction that prevented the organisation of fairs will disappear, but that the different obligations affecting the movement and control of animals will continue. All these measures will be in force until 15 January, although the Basque Government will assess the extension or reduction of the deadline depending on the epidemiological situation.

Disinfection of vehicles and animals in all movements shall continue to be mandatory, unless the destination is the slaughterhouse.

The entry of animals from restricted areas, with the exception of those vaccinated against the disease, shall be prohibited. Furthermore, once the restricted areas meet the requirements laid down by European legislation for the movement of animals, the Basque Country may not be prevented from entering, but may require additional controls, surveillance and monitoring.

Similarly, for any animal that enters farms outside the Basque Country and is not directly destined for slaughterhouse, a veterinary surveillance check of 21 days shall be applied, which may be shortened or extended in accordance with the risk assessment carried out by the veterinarian responsible.