Britain set for 2,000th FMD case

Britain is today heading for its 2,000th case of foot-and-mouth disease amid

fresh fears that a new outbreak in the north east of England is spreading.

The first case in three months has been confirmed in Co Durham while there have

been 16 cases in neighbouring Northumberland during a 10-day period.

A control zone was further extended last night in an effort to contain the outbreak.

The British Government says it believes that the disease may have been in the area undiscovered for some time.

So far 1,997 cases have been recorded in Britain since the disease was first spotted.

There are now fears that the disease will linger in Britain for up to another 12 months.

Other hotspots are expected to erupt before FMD is eradicated.

The Government here is expected to continue anti foot-and-mouth measures as long as the disease remains in Britain.

Authorities at all points of entry into Ireland remain on high alert.