The Courier (Dundee, Scotland), September 13, 2007

CRISIS GRIPS FARMING AS FOOT-AND-MOUTH RETURNS

[Rachel's introduction: The Scottish Government also warned, "The precautionary principle means that any animal showing unusual symptoms is reported and is then the subject of immediate and rigorous investigation by vets from the Animal Health Agency.]

By Steve Bargeton, political editor

SCOTLAND'S LIVESTOCK industry was in the grip of a new foot-and-mouth crisis last night after a new outbreak in England.

Livestock movement restrictions were re-instated in Scotland after the confirmation of the outbreak near Egham in Surrey, where a 10- kilometre control zone was set up -- and a cull was confirmed for the farm next door.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the animals must be killed as a "precautionary measure."

Yesterday precautionary tests were carried out on a single sheep showing signs of illness at the Lawrie and Symington market at Lanark while, as events moved quickly, Scottish Government officials insisted Scotland was foot-and-mouth free.

They were proved correct when vets confirmed the animal -- which had a high temperature -- did not have the disease.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said, "It is being tested to make sure it doesn't have anything contagious. But it definitely does not have foot-and-mouth."

The Scottish Government also warned, "The precautionary principle means that any animal showing unusual symptoms is reported and is then the subject of immediate and rigorous investigation by vets from the Animal Health Agency.

"During the August outbreak there were over 130 such investigations, mostly in England but a handful in Scotland. Initial testing proved negative, as did subsequent tests.

"This is what we mean by strict vigilance, looking at every case including the one at Lanark today -- however slight the suspicions -- and following this up meticulously.

"It is a legal obligation to report any suspicion of disease. We must be vigilant against this disease."

In an emergency statement to parliament, rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead described the Surrey outbreak as "a gut-wrenching body blow" for the Scottish industry.

"This development comes only days after we were able to lift the few remaining movement restrictions which were implemented following the previous outbreak of the disease confirmed on August 3," he told MSPs. "This had been an important step for our livestock sector and the red meat sector in their route back to normality."

The minister said he had, from 3pm yesterday, reintroduced a ban on moving animals, but he announced exceptions.

They are -- movement of dairy cows across public highways for milking; of animals for emergency veterinary treatment; and of animals direct to slaughter, subject to supervision.

Describing the new outbreak as "extremely harrowing news," Mr Lochhead said, "We acknowledge that this will have a huge impact on events planned for the next few days.

"However, given the risk of disease spread from animals coming from and going to a number of separate locations, we cannot afford these to go ahead in this period of uncertainty.

"I fully recognise the disruption this means to industry, but I know they understand that it is an essential step."

Mr Lochhead said the Scottish Government's emergency procedures were activated and he was working closely with UK departments and ministers.

Yesterday afternoon the minister took part in an emergency tele- conference chaired by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

First Minister Alex Salmond will today chair a meeting of meat producers, processors, retailers and industry bodies, which was planned before the new Surrey outbreak.

"It is now doubly important, and will focus on both FMD and soaring cereal prices," said Mr Salmond.

"There is no doubt that Scotland's livestock industry is facing a very difficult time, entirely due to factors outwith its control."

He continued, "Livestock farming and production make a huge contribution, not just to our economy, but also to our way of life.

"But high world prices for grain is putting the sector under enormous pressure -- and reports of a foot-and-mouth case in Surrey could hardly have come at a worse time."

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