AS the sheep shearing season gets into full swing, the NFU reminds farmers and shearing contractors to ensure they have the necessary licences and to take every precaution to comply with foot-and-mouth controls.

Mr Les Armstrong, chairman of the NFU livestock and wool committee, said it was also vital that shearing contractors travelling on and off farms had the necessary licence and followed all the safety guidelines.

The NFU encourages farmers to use shearing as an opportunity for a further close inspection of sheep.