Foot-and-mouth confirmed in Surrey

Britain’s countryside has been again put on hold with the confirmation of a new case of foot-and-mouth in Egham, Surrey.

Initial tests taken from cattle on the farm in Surrey have this afternoon been confirmed by DEFRA as positive for foot-and-mouth.

The farm comprises a number of separate parcels of land, and a single protection zone (PZ) has been put in place. The PZ extends a three kilometre radius from each piece of land, and a surveillance zone (SZ) has been put in place beyond that, for a further 10km.

All footpaths and bridleways within the FMD PZ have been closed.

A movement ban of cattle, sheep and pigs and other ruminants has now been imposed across England, with Wales and Scotland expected to follow shortly.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: “This is the news that no one wanted to hear, least of all the farming industry.”

The Country Land and Business Association echoed these sentiments.

“Just when rural businesses and farmers were due some respite from a difficult summer for their businesses, this news is the last thing they need,” said CLA president David Fursdon.

“We need to get to the bottom of this outbreak extremely quickly. DEFRA have again acted efficiently and we will continue to work closely with them to help contain this outbreak and minimise disruption.”

Stay up to date with the latest news on the foot-and-mouth outbreak, including details of cancelled shows, on Horseandhound.co.uk

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