No all clear on foot-and-mouth yet

More news is expected into the source of the foot-and-mouth outbreak today, but the industry is unlikely to get an all clear till the end of the week.

Defra said it was expecting more news into the source of infection today, but microbiologists have warned the industry is not in the clear until at least the end of the week.

Professor Hugh Pennington told the BBC if the disease had not spread to other animals by then it was "highly unlikely" there would be any further outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the Temporary Control Zone around the suspected outbreak in Surrey was lifted on Saturday following negative results for Foot and Mouth Disease.

Defra chief veterinary officer, Debby Reynolds, said on Saturday: "This is day eight of the foot and mouth outbreak. I must stress the need for relentless vigilance. It is crucial that all animal keepers continue to check their animals regularly and practice the highest possible levels of biosecurity.

"There is a substantial operation on the ground to prevent the spread of this disease and we are seeing a tremendous response. I would like to thank all of those involved."

The national movement ban remains in place. Licences have been granted for the following specific animal movements, which are permitted outside of the Protection and Surveillance Zones under the strict licensing conditions:

* Movements of animals for emergency veterinary treatment are also allowed under general licence.

* Movement of susceptible animals direct to slaughter.

* The collection of dead animals from farms, and roadkill.

* The movement of carcases, animal products, manure, slurry and used litter from a slaughter house. This excludes carcases and animal products intended for human consumption.

In the specific area of the Protection and Surveillance Zones, to prevent acute welfare problems, there is a general license permitting the movement of feed and fodder within a farm, and the direct delivery to a farm of feed and fodder from outside the zones. In addition, burial of animals on the farm where they died will be permitted within the Protection and Surveillance Zones.

More news is expected into the source of infection from Defra today.

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