August 9, 2007

Animals culled on third UK farm over FMD suspicions

Culling of animals has been ordered on a third farm, adjacent to the second affected farm in Surrey over suspicion of foot-and-mouth-disease occurrence.

The culling on the third farm was a "precautionary measure," according to the government's chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds, adding the risk of spread was slight but could not be ignored. The number of animals slaughtered was not disclosed.

Meanwhile, the government said the ban on livestock movement brought in following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey is to be eased for the majority of the UK from midnight.

Farmers outside the protection and surveillance zones in Surrey will be allowed to take animals to slaughter and dispose of dead livestock.

Officials are continuing their investigation into the original source of the outbreak.