October 16, 2007

Suspected FMD outbreak in Southeast England

A veterinary assessment of sheep from a farm near Rye in East Sussex, southeast England, has lead to a three-kilometre Foot and Mouth Disease Temporary Control Zone being put in place, the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said Monday (October 15).

"Laboratory tests are in progress and there is no timetable for receiving results," the government department said.

The news follows Defra's announcement last week of its intention to lift the Foot and Mouth Protection Zone in Surrey Wednesday, assuming there was no change to the situation.