New foot-and-mouth case confirmed

A new case of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in the same county as the UK's last outbreak.

The government has set up a 10km control zone centred on the affected farm near Egham, Surrey, and a pre-emptive slaughter has been ordered.

A national movement ban has been put in place to prevent the disease spreading from Milton Park Farm, Stroude Road.

An NFU spokesman said: "We understand there is a suspected case of FMD and we are looking at this with extreme concern, but we will have to wait for the results of the tests from Defra, expected later today, until we can comment more fully."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to chair a meeting of the Government's emergency committee, Cobra.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds said:

"The containment and eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease is our top 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, and as always in such circumstances, I reiterate my message to animal keepers to practice the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly."