Foot-and-mouth scare in Sussex
Monday, 15 Oct 2007 15:15
Sheep in Rye, East Sussex, are suspected to have foot and mouth disease
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A suspected case of foot and mouth disease has been found in Sussex following several confirmed cases of the disease earlier this year.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said in a statement that a 3km temporary control zone has been put in place around premises in Rye, East Sussex.
Veterinary assessments suggest that sheep at the premises may have the disease, which causes fever and blisters.
Laboratory tests are now being carried out to determine whether the sheep have foot and mouth.
Since August 3rd there have been several confirmed cases of foot and mouth disease in Surrey and Berkshire, with all affected animals culled.
A foot-and-mouth risk area is currently in place in the south-eastern area of England where animals at risk of the disease are subject to strict controls. These include cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.
The rest of England, Scotland and Wales are now in a low-risk area where most moves are permitted.