Sheep shearing is a sensitive issue in the context of foot and mouth disease, given the risk of spreading the disease through close physical contact between shearers and sheep and the movement between flocks by commercial shearers.
Following a joint submission from the relevant organisations representing farmers, sheep shearers and the Irish Wool Federation, a regulated regime has been introduced with effect from 28 May last. This regime includes, inter alia, the registration of commercial sheep shearers, though there is no restriction on farmers shearing their own sheep. I consider this to be a prudent approach, given the serious ongoing foot and mouth problem in the UK, and I understand that more than 420 sheep shearers have registered under the new regime.
I have no immediate plans to change these rules, although they will be kept under review in light of the evolving FMD situation in the UK and elsewhere.