Foot and Mouth confirmed on eighth farm

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has now been confirmed at the premises in Surrey where slaughter on suspicion was announced yesterday. This follows further clinical examination and results of preliminary laboratory tests. This now becomes the eighth Infected Premises (IP8).

Minor changes are being made to the FMD Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone in the area. Our objective remains to stamp out FMD in this area.

Following the confirmed case of FMD at this premises near Wraysbury

(IP8) and taking account of the epidemiological advice on the nature of the spread of spread of FMD in the northern part of the Egham Protection Zone, veterinary experts have concluded that a number of cattle on four (4) premises in the vicinity of IP8 have been exposed to infection of FMD to such a degree that they are likely to develop disease.

In keeping with our strategy to stamp out FMD, these cattle and any other susceptible livestock on these four premises will therefore be humanely culled as dangerous contacts. This action is regrettable but necessary in order to eradicate disease in this area as quickly as possible.

The programme of intense surveillance and blood testing, through which the case at Wraysbury was detected, will continue in this area.

It remains vital that animal keepers are vigilant for any signs of disease and continue to check animals twice a day.