UK FMD Update — September 19, 2007
- Viral sequencing has confirmed that the virus strain responsible for the outbreak detected on 9/12 in Egham is the same virus associated with the Aug. 3rd outbreak in Surrey.
- The location of this latest outbreak is approximately 10 miles from the Pirbright facility. The disease was found in grazing cattle which are likely more difficult to observe for lesions than dairy cattle which are closely observed at least twice daily.
- There have now been 5 confirmed infected premises since the outbreak began on August 3rd. This online map shows the current Protection and Surveillance zones and the sites involved. It might be of interest to note on the map that two major highways transect the Protection and Surveillance zones and that London’s Heathrow International Airport lies within the Surveillance Zone. The on-going complete ban of animal movements within the Surveillance Zone would, thus, preclude the use of these major thoroughfares in this area.
- Tests on pigs located on the 4th infected premises are negative for FMD. Cattle on the same site have tested positive. The pigs and cattle have been culled as a precaution.
- The movement of animals directly to slaughter is now permitted outside of the Surveillance Zone.
- DEFRA has decided not to vaccinate at this time "because the risk of spread of disease outside of the Surrey area is still considered to be low at the present time."
- Lesions observed in the cattle located on the latest infected premises (IP 5) have been determined to have been at least 10 days old meaning the animals were infected at least 14 days ago.
- There is concern that the disease has also spread into the local sheep population. Serological testing of non-clinical sheep located in the Protection Zone suggest exposure to FMD. Sheep are difficult to diagnose clinically since they often show mild or no clinical signs. Lesions associated with the oral cavity could also be the result of either consuming rough forage or orf making clinical diagnosis even more difficult.
Sources:
DEFRA