Foot-and-mouth 'all clear' at Surrey farm

A control zone around a farm at the centre of a new foot-and-mouth scare has been lifted after test results proved negative.

But chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds urged farmers to maintain "relentless vigilance" in looking for signs of the disease.

The 3km cordon was set up around Manor Farm, Wotton, near Dorking, Surrey - which was outside the existing surveillance area - after livestock showed signs of a virus, including runny noses and swollen eyes, sparking fears that the infection had spread.

But farmer Laurence Matthews, who believes his calves have pneumonia, said vets had told him they were "99 per cent sure" it was not foot-and-mouth.

He said: "I'm very happy. I was pretty sure all along that we didn't have it. I'm very relieved."

His wife, Paula, said: "It's obviously been a very anxious time for the whole family.

"Every day seems to be a different rollercoaster of emotions but now we're thrilled to bits."

Dr Reynolds said the risk of the virus spreading outside Surrey was now 'low'.

But she added: "I do have to remind everyone that this is a time for relentless vigilance.

"Everybody who has livestock will be looking at them very regularly for any signs of foot-and-mouth disease."

Animals at two farms near Guildford have tested positive for the disease.

A Government interim report has concluded that the most likely source of the outbreak was the Pirbright laboratory site, used by vaccine manufacturer Merial and the Institute for Animal Health.