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New Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey
12/09/2007
Restrictions on animal movements has been re-introduced following a new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the south of England.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said that the ban was being imposed as a precautionary measure to safeguard the long-term viability of the meat industry. subject to daily review. All animal-related events, such as the planned Kelso ram sale, have been cancelled as a result.
He told MSPs in the Parliament:
"This development comes only days after we were able to lift the few remaining movement restrictions which were implemented following the previous outbreak in August.
"Today's confirmation is a gut wrenching body blow for the Scottish livestock industry and the red meat sector. I and my officials will be doing everything we can to support the industry during this devastating time."
The islands remain free of restrictions in terms of inter-island movement. However, there can be no movement between islands and the mainland.
Edinburgh University's Centre of Epidemiological Excellence and the Scottish Agriculture College have been commissioned to analyse movements to Scotland from Surrey to establish the likelihood of disease spread to Scotland.
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Meanwhile, a sheep at an auction mart in Lanark was showing signs of ill health and, as a routine biosecurity measure, was tested. The test was negative.
A Scottish Government spokesman said:
"The precautionary principle means that any animal showing unusual symptoms is reported and is then the subject of immediate and rigorous investigation by vets from the Animal Health Agency
"During the August outbreak there were over 130 such investigations mostly in England but a handful in Scotland. Initial testing proved negative as did subsequent tests. This is what we mean by strict vigilance - looking at every case including the one at Lanark today - however slight the suspicions - and following this up meticulously. It is a legal obligation to report any suspicion of disease.
"We must be vigilant against this disease but scaremongering of this kind causes nothing but undue panic and confusion."