New foot and mouth exclusion zone in Kent

A temporary 3km foot-and-mouth (FMD) exclusion zone has been set up around a farm in the Romney Marshes in Kent.

Calves at the farm in the Dymchurch and Littlestone-on-Seare area are reported to have shown signs of FMD including blistering on their tongues.

Tests are being carried out, the results of which will be announced later today, Tuesday 14 August, or tomorrow.

DEFRA chief vet Debby Reynolds said of the news: “We are in a crucial week for vigilance and planning next steps.

“Today’s developments are part of our ongoing surveillance and testing and I would take this opportunity to reiterate the need for the highest standards of biosecurity on farms, and for people to remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly.”

Last Friday, a temporary 3km foot-and-mouth exclusion zone was placed around a farm in Wootton, near Dorking in Surrey. But tests later confirmed cattle did not have FM.

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