When the Canadians, Americans and Mexicans simulated an outbreak in a computer exercise in November, they found that they could only control it by using vaccines - mass slaughter simply didn't work. MAFF confirms the outbreak in Essex. The Government bans export of live animals, meat and dairy products. More suspect cases emerge. The EC announces a ban on exports of all live animals and animal products from Britain.
Third case is confirmed in Essex.
The Government suspends movement of all livestock in Great Britain for the next seven days. A seventh outbreak is confirmed in Devon. The EU announces extends a ban on Britain's meat and dairy exports. Officials investigate the first suspected case in Northern Ireland. Outbreak spreads to Northern Ireland and Scotland.