A research laboratory at the centre of the investigation into an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in England says it is confident it is not to blame. Merial Animal Health defended its biosecurity measures after government inspectors said there was a “strong probability” the disease had come from a complex used by the company. A total of 214 animals from two farms have been culled since the outbreak was spotted five days ago. The rare strain of foot and mouth that was found at both sites is the same as that handled by Merial and the government Institute for Animal Health which share premises near Guildford in Surrey.
While EU vets debate the European response to the crisis today, around the UK numerous measures have been set up to control the outbreak.The government says it is determined to isolate the cause of the disease and is investigating the possibility of it being sabotage. Farmers say they may sue if the source is found to be a private company.

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