Foot-and-mouth surveillance ends

Foot-and-mouth controls have been in operation since August

The foot-and-mouth surveillance zone put in place during outbreaks in Surrey and Berkshire has been lifted because there have been no further cases.

Defra said they were now part of a wider restricted zone, covering five other counties, where animal movement bans are still in place.

Defra said livestock owners affected should check the relevant movement licence conditions.

There have been eight confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease since August.

Fred Landeg, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said negative results from "extensive surveillance work" meant the surveillance zone could be lifted from Monday.

"However, farmers must remain vigilant and continue to check their animals for signs of disease twice daily," he added.

The wider restricted zone still in place covers Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Defra added: "The area outside the restricted zone is now not subject to any foot-and-mouth movement restrictions, however bluetongue controls are still in place."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version