New foot-and-mouth fear in UK

The threat of foot-and-mouth disease returned today after another suspected outbreak in the UK.

A three kilometre temporary control zone was set up around farmland in Egham, Surrey, about ten miles from the previous outbreak in Pirbight.

Cattle suspected of contracting foot-and-mouth were being culled as officials awaited the results of laboratory tests, the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.

The European Commission halted plans to resume meat exports from Britain into the rest of Europe in the wake of the news.

Debby Reynolds, chief veterinary officer, said: “The containment and eradication of FMD 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.”

The development came just days after it was believed that the outbreak centred on Pirbright, which caused widespread disruption and concern during August, had been successfully dealt with.