September 12, 2007

scientists react to new outbreak of foot and mouth in the UK

A fresh outbreak of the disease was discovered at a farm in Surrey, the same strain of the disease as that of the previous outbreak in the area in August.

Graham Brooks, President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said:

“This new outbreak of Foot and Mouth is extremely disappointing for the farming industry in the UK, especially as it appeared that the industry was returning to normal after the earlier outbreak with markets and sales returning to normal. Movement restrictions at this time of year will have a major effect on the farming industry as it is the traditional time of the year when large numbers of stock are moved and sold for both breeding and production.”

Carl Padgett, vice-president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said:

“Vigilance is high, and it’s a good thing the system is still working and we’re not complacent. Once we have the results, should we be so unfortunate that foot and mouth is confirmed, we need to act immediately to identify where the infection has come from. I would hope that that kind of tracing work is happening pre-emptively.”

Andrew Mathieson, Senior Lecturer Environmental Health, University of the West of England, said:

“This new outbreak is a most worrying development and we can only hope the isolation and slaughter is done quickly and that the exclusion zone is thoroughly tested, footpaths closed and animal (and people) movement restricted.”

Keith Plumb, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Pharma Subject Group Chairman, said:

“The points raised last week remain relevant, and this latest suspected contamination only serves to reinforce these guidelines: Best practice in chemical and process engineering suggests that it’s unwise for dangerous or contaminated liquids to be transferred underground or across different sites. A virus like FMD should be destroyed within the same building as it is being handled and not transferred anywhere else, and certainly not via an underground pipe.”