Governments Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds said

"This is a developing situation. Our objective is to contain and eradicate the disease. As with the outbreak last month, we will be seeking to take a staged and risk-based approach to controls. I urge all animal keepers to remain vigilant and follow the most stringent of bio-security measures."

Initial laboratory tests have found the foot and mouth virus to be type 01 BFS67. This is the FMD strain that was found in the August outbreak. A full epidemiological investigation into the source of the FMD outbreak is ongoing.

A national movement ban - affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other ruminants has been imposed in England. Similar arrangements are in place in Scotland and Wales. Limited movements of animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease are being allowed under strict bio-security arrangements in order to address necessary welfare issues, in line with the foot and mouth contingency plan.

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