The United Kingdom can resume exports of meat and dairy products to other countries after the European Commission decided to lift the ban imposed earlier this month due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

After reassessing the situation, the European Commission prolonged the ban for only a small area, giving green light for regular trade activities involving live animals, fresh meat and dairy products.

“It has been decided to limit the restrictions on trade in live animals and meat and dairy products... to the protection zones (three- kilometre zone) and surrounding consolidated surveillance zone (10km) established around the two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in England,” a statement from the European Commission read.

Producers outside the mentioned surveillance zone can resume their regular operations, exports being scheduled to begin on Saturday.

Following “the favourable evolution in the disease situation and the strict and immediate movement ban implemented in the whole of Great Britain,” the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health unanimously approved the measure on Thursday.

Previous to this decision British specialists evaluated the measures taken, status of the outbreak and presented their conclusions to the EU. Farmers and experts in the UK welcomed Thursday’s announcement labeling it as being “an excellent result” for the country which “reflects the confidence of the Commission and EU member states in the measures taken.”

On August 3, the authorities confirmed the existence of the foot-and-mouth virus at a farm in Surrey county. Shortly after that, an outbreak was confirmed at another adjacent farm and the surveillance zone was extended.

Three days later the EU decided to ban all exports of fresh meat, milk and live animals from Britain until the situation is controlled. Farmers and other areas of the economic sector took a serious blow, their livestock diminishing considerably along with revenue.

Almost 600 animals were culled and authorities interdicted the movement of livestock throughout the territory. Unlike a similar outbreak that occurred six years ago, the highly contagious virus’ spread was rapidly contained and another catastrophe for the farming sector was dodged.

Meanwhile, investigations continue in order to determine the origin of this new virus. Authorities said a possible breach in the biosecurity of two laboratories that produce vaccines near the farms could represent the source.