A temporary control zone has been implemented in Norfolk following a suspected case of foot and mouth disease.

The 10km zone has been put in place by Defra around a premises near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk.

The control zone, which prevents the movement of any susceptible animal into or out of the designated area, came info force at 10pm last night (Thursday June 23).

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Reports suggest the suspected case is within a herd of pigs.

Officials may catch and detain any stray or feral susceptible animal found in the temporary control zone and there is currently no timeframe for how long the zone will be in force.

Foot and mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.

It affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants and intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds.

The outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK in 2001 caused a crisis in British agriculture and tourism.

More than 2,000 cases of the disease were recorded in farms across most of the British countryside. 

Over six million cows and sheep were killed in an eventually successful attempt to halt the disease.

 

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