September 19, 2007

UK starts culling of pigs near FMD-infected area

Pigs on a farm near two areas with foot-and-mouth outbreaks would be culled, according to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Authorities decided to take the precautionary measure after an inspection of the animals for clinical signs of the disease proved inconclusive.

News of the cull comes as veterinary authorities allowed animal movements to resume. The lifting of the restriction applies only to animals outside the surveillance zone around Surrey.

The UK government is already facing accusations that it lifted last month's ban too soon, as the foot-and-mouth virus can survive in the open for up to six months.

The current outbreak has affected cattle grazing on rented pasture land in Egham, Surrey, which were immediately culled, together with another 350 cattle.

Authorities culled 800 pigs and 40 cattle from the neighbouring Stroude Farm on Thursday as a precaution. Tests on Friday showed confirmed they had the disease.