Friday, August 03, 2007

FARM INFECTED WITH FOOT-AND-MOUTH !

Foot-and-mouth caused havoc in the UK in 2001. Cattle at a farm in Surrey have been found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
Animals on a farm near Guildford have tested positive for the disease which swept the UK and wreaked havoc in 2001.
A three-kilometre protection zone has been put in place around the premises and a UK-wide ban imposed on movement of all cattle and pigs.
In accordance with the legislation, all the cattle on the premises will be culled, said a government spokesman.
The farm has been under restrictions since late on Thursday when symptoms were reported.
Debby Reynolds, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, has confirmed the outbreak after samples were taken from the farm.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has taken part by telephone in a Cobra meeting, involving top staff at the Cabinet Office.
He is returning to London on Saturday from his holiday in Dorset and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn is to break off from his vacation in Italy.
As well as the three Kilometre protection zone, there is also a 10 kilometre surveillance zone where nearby animals are monitored.
National Farmers' Union President Peter Kendall said: "This is a matter of grave concern. We have an industry still depressed from low prices.
"We have to ensure this is a small isolated incident. We are working with the government to ensure the right steps are taken."
BBC NEWS REPORT.

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