Britain imposes ban on movement of ruminants and pigs

LONDON (AFP) - Britain imposed a nation-wide ban on the movement of cattle, sheep and pigs yesterday following confirmation of an outbreak of foot and mouth on a farm.

"Nationally no animal movements are allowed except under licence," said a spokemsan for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Controls are in place on movement of animal carcasses, animal gatherings, shearing and dipping are restricted, and all farms must increase levels of biosecurity."

A one-kilometre temporary restriction zone, a three-kilometre protection zone, and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone has been placed around the farm, south-west of London.

"In both the protection and surveillance zones, there will be requirements for increased levels of biosecurity on farms, movement controls, controls on transportation of dung/manure and treatment of animal products to ensure destruction of the foot and mouth disease virus."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on holiday in south-west England, has taken part in a meeting of COBRA, Britain's emergency contingencies cabinet by telephone.

He is to return to London on Saturday.

A nationwide outbreak of foot and mouth forced the postponment of the 2001 general election and the armed forces were brought in to help cope with the emergency.