Restrictions lifted on ram sale

Europe's biggest ram sale will go ahead next month in Powys after livestock movement restrictions were lifted, much to the organisers' relief.

NSA Wales and Borders said it was delighted that the 28th annual event can go ahead at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells.

The sale was supposed to take place on Monday but was cancelled because of continuing problems caused by the foot and mouth outbreaks in Surrey.

A total of 7,500 sheep had been offered for sale. The restaged sale will now take place over two days on October 14 and 27.

Sale chairman George Hughes said: "It's what we've been waiting for.

"Vendors have been telling me that they have a field full of rams and they don't know what to do with them. The sale is being held in two parts so that as many sheep as possible can be sold in the permanent buildings.

"About 4,000 sheep are expected to be offered for sale."

Meanwhile, the farming industry was facing another setback today after Government officials confirmed bluetongue disease had spread.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said the disease was circulating in the UK, with tests indicating the virus was present in animals and midges.

A fifth case was confirmed in a cow near Burstall in Suffolk on Thursday, close to the rare breeds farm in Baylham, near Ipswich, where the disease was first confirmed on September 21.

A 12.5-mile (20km) control zone and a 93-mile (150km) protection zone have been set up around the confirmed bluetongue cases.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "Our priority is to do everything we can to contain this outbreak."