Breaking: Foot-and-mouth case suspected at Norfolk farm

Defra vets are investigating a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease on a Norfolk pig farm.

A statement released by Defra emphasised that the case is unconfirmed and subject to testing.

See also: Analysis: How good are foot-and-mouth controls 20 years on?

“Following suspicion of vesicular disease in pigs, and as a precaution to prevent the spread of disease, a 10km temporary control zone has been declared around a premises near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and west Norfolk, Norfolk,” the statement said.

“The premises remains under restrictions pending further tests,” it added

NFU East Anglia regional director and former National Pig Association chief executive Zoe Davies stressed that the control zone is precautionary at this stage.

“We are waiting, keeping everything crossed and praying it isn’t what they suspect it is,” Dr Davies said.

Details of the control zone can be found on Defra’s website (PDF).