FMD identified on eighth farm in Britain
The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced livestock on an eighth farm in Surrey, the region tested positive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Cattle on the farm, as well as cattle on four nearby farms near the village of Wraysbury, that were believed to be exposed to the virus, have been culled in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease.
Outbreak
This outbreak was discovered on Sunday. The first outbreak of FMD was initially discovered on August 3.
The Defra has created a 3 km protection zone where the movement of livestock has been forbidden without government permission in an effort to halt the spread of the virus.
Financial implications
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said that the new case of FMD would have severe financial implications. It is estimated that the outbreaks have cost the industry £250 million (€359 million) since August.
A spokeswoman said a programme of “intense surveillance and blood testing” would continue in a bid to identify any further cases.
Yesterday, a 3 km protection zone was put around a premises near Haywards Heath, on the border of East and West Sussex, the Defra website reports.
Related websites:
• Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
• National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
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