Australia is one of the few foot and mouth disease-free countries in the world with no outbreaks since 1872. 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.