THE National Farmers' Union has welcomed changes announced last week in animal movement regulations.

The resumption of livestock markets with new biosecurity rules, general rather than individual licensing arrangements for cattle and slaughter sheep will make a "huge practical difference" to farmers, said the NFU.

NFU president Ben Gill said the changes were a recognition of the fact the battle against foot and mouth had been all but won.

He added: "We are pleased to see that Lord Whitty has made it clear to producers that DEFRA will be looking at other elements of fighting exotic diseases, including the operation of import controls on meat and other animal products."

Updated: 08:50 Thursday, December 27, 2001