Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in Britain

Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in Britain for the first time in 20 years, in pigs at an abattoir in Essex.

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the outbreak on 20 February. A ban on the export of British meat, milk and livestock has been imposed, and restrictions have been placed on the movement of animals.

A highly infectious disease

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. It causes fever and blisters in the mouth and on the feet, and can lead to a sharp drop in milk production and weight. It rarely kills adult animals, but it spreads very easily, through direct contact, on vehicles, clothing and even through the air.

The disease does not pose a risk to human health, and meat remains safe to eat.

Tracing the source

The disease was discovered during a routine inspection at an abattoir at Little Warley, near Brentwood. Vets are now trying to trace where the infected pigs came from, and investigations are focusing on farms in the north of England.

Movement restrictions have been placed on farms within a five-mile radius of the abattoir.

The 1967 outbreak

The last major outbreak in Britain, in 1967, led to the slaughter of more than 400,000 animals. There was a smaller outbreak on the Isle of Wight in 1981.

A blow to farming

The outbreak is a severe blow to British farming, which has already been hit by the BSE crisis and a fall in farm incomes. The export ban, imposed by the European Union and the British government, will cost farmers millions of pounds.

The National Farmers' Union has said farmers are devastated, and has urged them to take strict precautions to prevent the disease spreading.

Controlling the spread

The main method of control is to slaughter infected animals and those that have been in contact with them, and to restrict movement. The government has not ruled out vaccination, but many in the industry oppose it because it would affect exports.

People in the countryside have been urged to avoid contact with farm animals, and some footpaths may be closed.

Fears for the countryside

There are fears the disease could spread across the country before it is contained. If it does, it could affect not only farming but also tourism and rural businesses.

The Agriculture Minister, Nick Brown, said the government would do everything possible to eradicate the disease.