27/08/2001

Further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in England

Government vets are to inspect farms in Northumberland following the outbreak of eight cases of foot-and-mouth disease during the past four days.

Widespread restrictions have been imposed on farms in the area, which have been free of the disease for nearly three months.

The two latest cases, both confirmed on Monday, are on farms near to one of those already infected. It is hoped that the new restrictions will stop more farms from becoming infected.

There have also been three new cases of the disease detected in Cumbria on Sunday, bringing the total number in the UK to 1,979. In the last few weeks Cumbria, one of the areas hit worst by the disease, has averaged two new cases a day.

The Irish Government meanwhile, has re-intensified calls for caution over foot-and-mouth following the report of fresh outbreaks in Britain.

A spokesman at the Department of Agriculture in Dublin said the new cases in the UK should “serve as a timely warning” for Ireland and that measures designed to keep the disease out were both relevant and necessary. (MB)

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