07/08/2007

Second Outbreak Of Foot-And-Mouth Confirmed

A second case of foot-and-mouth has been confirmed at another farm in Surrey, close to the site of the first outbreak.

The cattle at the farm was culled as soon as the signs were spotted on Monday, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed.

Meanwhile, the owner of the farm where the first outbreak of the virus was discovered has told reporters that he was "devastated" by the discovery.

Roger Pride, who owns Woolford Farm, near Guildford, told reporters that he believed that an overflowing sewer may have been the cause of the infection.

More than 100 cows were slaughtered following the discovery of the virus on the farm.

A nationwide ban on the movement of cows, sheep and pigs has been put in place, as well as an export ban. However, no new cases of foot-and-mouth have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Protection and surveillance zones have also been set up around the infected area.

Speculation about the cause of the outbreak has centered on the nearby Institute for Animal Health and private vaccine manufacturer Merial in Pirbright in Surrey. The virus is stocked on both premises and it has emerged that the virus on the farm was the same strain.

The official findings of a Health and Safety Executive investigation into the source is expected later on Tuesday.

(KMcA)


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