FMD Scare Spreads to Kent Farm

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Government vets are investigating a possible foot and mouth outbreak on a farm in Kent, it emerged today.

A temporary control zone has been put in place in the Romney Marsh area around Dymchurch and Littlestone-on-Sea, although the exact location of the farm has not been released.

The zone was erected as a "precaution" after the farmer reported a sickness in his animals.

Debby Reynolds, the Government's chief vet, said test results from the farm were expected later today or early tomorrow.

If the disease is confirmed it would be a massive blow to Britain's farmers, who had hoped that the outbreak was under control and confined to two farms in Surrey, where it was first detected.