Third Case of FMD Suspected: Temporary control zone established in Surrey 10/08/07

Last night (Thursday) a 3km radius Temporary Control Zone was put around one premises in Surrey outside of the existing Surveillance Zone.

This precautionary measure follows an inconclusive assessment of clinical symptoms by Animal Health veterinary staff. The national movement ban remains in place. In addition, in the Temporary Control Zone, general licences will not apply for the movement of animals to slaughter and collection of dead animals from farms.

Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer said:

“This is a developing disease situation. The containment and eradication of FMD remains our priority. This is why we have moved swiftly to put in place a Temporary Control Zone while we investigate this development. At this stage disease has not been confirmed, laboratory results will follow.

“In the meantime, as I have done from the start of this outbreak, I reiterate my message to animal keepers to practice the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly.”

With effect from Friday 10th August, to prevent acute welfare problems in the specific area of the Protection and Surveillance Zones the decision has also been taken to issue a general licence permitting the movement of feed and fodder within a farm, and the direct delivery to a farm of feed and fodder from outside the zones.

In addition burial of animals on the farm where they died will be permitted within the Protection and Surveillance Zones from Friday.

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