NEW FOOT AND MOUTH OUTBREAK CONFIRMED

The outbreak, which shocked experts, was found at a farm in Surrey just 30 miles from where the disease led to mass culls of cattle stock in August.

An immediate nationwide ban on the movement of livestock has again been put in place.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was informed of the new suspected outbreak during a visit to Leicester. He chaired a meeting of the Cobra emergency planning committee this afternoon.

Another suspected case is being probed in Scotland.

The development comes just days after it was believed that the outbreak centred on Pirbright, around ten miles away, which caused widespread disruption and concern during August, had been successfully dealt with.

Officials declared a three-mile exclusion zone around the new site. It is understood cattle on the farm will also be also be slaughtered as a precaution.

A Defra statement said: “This morning a temporary control zone has been put around a grazing area in Surrey.

“The cattle are to be culled on suspicion of the disease whilst laboratory test results are awaited.

“This measure follows an assessment of clinical symptoms by animal health veterinary staff.”

Dr Reynolds said: “The containment and eradication of FMD (foot and mouth disease) is our top priority.

“This is why we have moved swiftly to put in place a temporary control zone while we investigate this development.

“At this stage disease has not been confirmed, laboratory results will follow.

“In the meantime, and as always in such circumstances, I reiterate my message to animal keepers to practise the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease, and report any suspicions quickly.”

A spokesman for the National Farmers’ Union said: “We are having meetings and video conferences with Defra. We are trying to build up a picture of what is happening at the moment.”

The spokesman said he did not have any information on the exact location of the farm or the identity of the farmer involved in the outbreak.

Experts had declared foot and mouth disease was eradicated and the last remaining restrictions on livestock were lifted on Saturday.

Angry farmers affected by the outbreak had called for the nearby Pirbright laboratory site, which has been blamed for the leak, to remain closed until the source is found.

But chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said last week: “I’m satisfied that foot and mouth has been eradicated from the UK in 2007.”

Official reports blamed faulty drainage systems at Pirbright for leaking the disease, coupled with heavy rain, building work and construction vehicles moving from the site.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which published its official report into the outbreak, said it was “pretty clear” that the virus escaped from Pirbright but said it was not possible to pinpoint whether the exact source was the Institute for Animal Health or Merial, which share the site.