04/08/07
The latest test results of the Foot and Mouth Disease Strain
in Surrey appears
to suggest that it was leaked from a nearby animal
research laboratory.
The FMD strain found in Surrey is not one currently known to
be recently found in animals. It is most similar to strains used
in international diagnostic laboratories and in vaccine production,
including at the Pirbright site shared by the Institute of Animal
Health (IAH) and Merial Animal Health Ltd, a pharmaceutical company.
The present indications are that this strain is a 01 BFS67 – like
virus, isolated in the 1967 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in
Great Britain.
This strain is present at the IAH and was used in a batch manufactured
in July 2007 by the Merial facility. On a precautionary basis
Merial has agreed to voluntarily halt vaccine production.
In response to this new information Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary
Officer has instructed that a new single Protection Zone be created
encompassing both the infected farm premises and the Pirbright
site, with a single 10km radius Surveillance Zone.
Immediate action is being taken with an investigation led by
the Health and Safety Executive at the Institute for Animal Health
and Merial.
In addition an urgent independent review into biosecurity arrangements
at both sites has been commissioned led by Professor Brian Spratt
of Imperial University. It will report to Hilary Benn and Debby
Reynolds.
This incident remains at an early stage. It is too soon to reach
any firm conclusions. All potential sources of the virus will
continue to be investigated. All other precautionary measures
announced yesterday remain in place.
Foot and Mouth Disease - Livestock Movement Ban
CLA Response to Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Foot and Mouth Disease confirmed in cattle, in Surrey
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