Rules relaxed on livestock movement

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Similar rules in Scotland and Wales have already been eased.

The move came as the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said on Saturday that pigs on a farm close to the two premises infected with foot-and-mouth in Surrey must be culled.

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure after a veterinary inspection of the animals for clinical signs of the disease proved inconclusive, Defra said.

The newest farm is within the 1.8-mile existing protection zone around the infected premises, which was set up after the recent outbreak.

Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds relaxed strict rules imposed on the farming industry following an evaluation of the risk of movement of animals.

As of midnight, cattle, sheep and pigs can be moved directly from farms to listed abattoirs, or from farms to abattoirs by an approved collection centre or slaughter market.

Kevin Pearce, head of food and farming for the National Farmers' Union, said of the lifting of movement restrictions: "This is an encouraging signal, which demonstrates that a risk-based, pragmatic approach is being taken by Defra."

Farming leaders have met Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss the situation, amid concerns the industry is losing almost £10m a day under the restrictions imposed to control the disease.