A third case of Foot and Mouth Disease has been confirmed in cattle on a farm in Great Warley, near Brentwood in Essex. There is an Infected Area already in place around the farm. We are in the process of reviewing whether this needs to be amended in the light of this latest outbreak. This follows reports of highly suspicious disease in a number of pigs on that premise. This case is linked to the first confirmed outbreak in an abattoir in Essex.
Further investigations continue into the source of the outbreak and the likely spread.
A number of premises have also been placed under restrictions as we investigate movements in and out of the abattoir in Essex. Restrictions have today been lifted on an abattoir in Guildford following veterinary investigations today. Farmers are advised to continue to be extremely vigilant and check their stock regularly for signs of disease. Any disease should be reported to the farmers vet or local animal health office. The first two cases of Foot and Mouth Disease were confirmed on 20th February in an abattoir and a nearby farm south of Brentwood in Essex.