Foot and Mouth Disease Returns to Surrey
12/09/07

Defra has confirmed that initial tests on cattle from a Surrey farm have indicated the presence of FMD.

On the basis of these initial laboratory results and clinical symptoms Debby Reynolds, UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), has imposed a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the holding. Footpaths will be closed in the Protection Zone.

The farm itself has been under restrictions since last night. This morning, cattle on the farm was culled under suspicion and a temporary control zone was put up.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: "The confirmation of FMD is a hammer-blow to the industry which has left livestock farmers stunned.

"Our main focus now must be on controlling and eradicating the disease as quickly as possible. Farmers must be extremely vigilant and biosecurity is of paramount importance. The imposition of movement restrictions is absolutely imperative to ensure the disease is stopped in its tracks.

"However, this outbreak could not have come at a worse time, with tens of thousands of stock moving from upland to low-land farm areas in the next few weeks. We must get movement restrictions narrowed down to the area known to be at real risk as quickly as it's safe to do so."

A movement ban on cattle, sheep, pigs and other ruminants has now been imposed in England and parallel arrangements are being made by the Scottish and Welsh administrations.

No movements of susceptible animals are allowed except under licence. The licence conditions may vary between England, Scotland and Wales.

In England, controls are in place on movement of animal carcasses, animal gatherings, shearing and dipping are restricted, and all farms must increase levels of biosecurity. In both the Protection and Surveillance Zones, there will be requirements for increased levels of biosecurity on farms, movement controls, controls on transportation of dung/manure and treatment of animal products to ensure destruction of the FMD virus.

Confirmation of the movements which will be permitted under licenses will be issued later today.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn, said: "This is news that no one wanted to hear, least of all the farming industry. The immediate establishment of both a Protection Zone, with footpaths closed within it, and a national animal movement ban shows our determination to contain and eradicate this latest outbreak."

"Having spoken this morning to farming industry representatives, I know they share this view and the utmost vigilance is now needed from everyone."

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