FROM June 1, all sheep shearers require a licence. No farmer should employ shearers unless they hold an appropriate licence, cautions MAFF.
The action has been taken because sheep shearing presents a significant risk of transmitting foot and mouth disease. To reduce the risk, the scheme will limit shearers to working in either controlled or infected areas; all sheep shearers will need to be in possession of either a red licence for infected areas, or a green licence for controlled areas.
A shearer cannot hold both licences concurrently but he will be able to change his licence type by re-applying for a new licence and surrendering his old licence.
The only exception to these arrangements is that farmers and/or their permanent employees may shear their own sheep on their own premises.
The Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) will operate the licensing scheme on behalf of MAFF, NAWAD and SERAD.
Details of the areas in Great Britain designated as being within an infected or controlled area are on the MAFF web site www.maff.gov.uk or by calling the foot and mouth disease helpline (0845) 0504141.
The sheep shearing licensing unit at the MLC can be contacted on (01908) 844790 or fax (01908) 844788.
Updated: 09:29 Thursday, May 31, 2001
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