UK FMD Outbreak Weekly Update ? September 5, 2007

September 5, 2007 — 

• Effective Sept. 3, livestock markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs will be allowed to resume in England and Wales, outside of the Surveillance Zone in Surrey. Also from this date, animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease can be taken to shows involving animals, outside of the Surveillance Zone.
• The Health and Safety Executive has submitted its report regarding the role of the Pirbright facility in the FMD outbreak. A second independent report was also expected to be submitted. An initial report by the HSE found a "strong possibility" Pirbright was the source. It also said there was a "real possibility" human movement had spread the disease.
• The Merial facility at Pirbright given to go ahead to resume FMD vaccine production.
• DEFRA publishes a plan to regain internationally recognized FMD-free status. All domestic restrictions will be lifted on the date the Surrey Surveillance Zone is lifted (Sept. 8th at the earliest). Regaining international FMD-free status could happen as early as Nov. 7, three months after the last case and vaccination not used as a control strategy. Restrictions on direct exports of livestock from the former Surveillance Zone will remain in place until this status has been regained.