Sheep foot-and-mouth tests negative
UK - A temporary control zone around land in East Sussex has been lifted after tests for foot-and-mouth disease proved negative, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said today.The 1.9-mile (3km) zone was put up around premises near Rye yesterday as a precautionary measure after vets found possible signs of the disease in sheep.
The control zone was lifted at 12.10pm following negative laboratory test results but Defra appealed to farmers to remain vigilant in checking animals and enforcing biosecurity measures.
Had it been confirmed, it would have been the first case of foot-and-mouth outside of Surrey since the summer.
The disease has been identified at eight farms in Surrey since August 3.