FMD Update 1500hrs Thursday 13th Sept 07

FMD Update 1500 hrs Thursday 13 Sept

There is still only 1 IP. 4 report cases have been cleared today, and 3 remain under investigation including the pigs in Norfolk. There have been a total of 8 report cases (1 cleared yesterday).

The slaughter on suspicion case on the farm adjoining the IP may well become IP2. The cattle on this holding were adjacent to the infected cattle; on visual inspection one animal showed signs of disease and the decision was made. This holding does have a housed pig unit which is also being culled.

Licensing of movement is under review and some more welfare licences and carcase licences may come out today. Movement to slaughter is being prepared ready for use and there may be a decision tomorrow and hopefully a ‘not before time’.

The virus type is still NOT identified, but scientific advice is expected this evening in an epidemiology report. Virus type, tracing and epidemiology will allow an informed decision on movement to slaughter.

Wales and Scotland are issuing their own licences again.