UK Inspects 3rd Foot and Mouth Case

Ban lifted, but farmers urged to be wary of big losses

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2007 4:47 PM CDT

(Newser) – A third suspected case of foot and mouth disease has been located in southern England, health officials said, as the EU lifted a ban on slaughtering animals but kept up the prohibition on exporting animal products. Meanwhile, the Guardian reports that British veterinary investigators pinpointed two research labs they say have a “strong probability” of initiating the outbreak.

“Human movement” and one lab’s drainage system are the leading theories behind the spread of the disease, investigators say. Before last week, the last foot and mouth epidemic occurred in 2001 and cost Britain about $17 million dollars. While farmers are concerned about losing money, some consumers are worried about a meat shortage, though the supermarket industry has tried to allay their concerns.

[Images (7)]

[Videos (1)]

A dead cow is moved from a field in Normandy, Surrey, during the foot and mouth outbreak, Tuesday August 7, 2007. Tests confirmed a second outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease southwest of London, Britain's... (Associated Press)

Police officers stand outside the Institute for Animal Health following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease at a nearby farm in Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007. The investigation... (Associated Press)

A Trading Standards Officer closes off a public footpath in Pirbright, near Guildford, England, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has ordered that footpaths and common land in... (Associated Press)

Vechicles pass through a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development disinfectant area at Larne Port, Northern Ireland, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. All airports and ferry terminals are being disinfected... (Associated Press)

Butcher Simon Glyn looks at pig meat imported from Belgium at his wholesale butchers stall at Smithfield meat market in London, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. The market, which supplies meat throughout Britain,... (Associated Press)

A worker in protective clothing gives directions as a dead cow is loaded into a lorry at a farm outside Normandy, south England, Tuesday Aug. 7, 2007. Tests confirmed a second outbreak of foot-and-mouth... (Associated Press)

A butcher works on pig meat at Smithfield meat market in London, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. The market, which supplies meat throughout Britain, is beginning to feel the pinch as slaughter houses in England... (Associated Press)

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UK Inspects 3rd Foot and Mouth Case