UK – A suspected case of foot and mouth disease was found on Tuesday in the north of England, just a month after the country was declared free of the disease.

Initial tests on two sheep, which have been destroyed, suggest that they did not have foot and mouth disease, but final test results will not be available until the weekend.

Suspect lesions were found in the two sheep on Tuesday by a compulsory vet visit after the farm restocked following last year’s foot and mouth outbreak.

DEFRA immediately banned livestock movements within an 8km radius of the farm.

Animal Welfare Minister Elliot Morley said: “We must take no chances with this very infectious disease.” He added: “This suspect case underlines the need for farmers and vets to remain vigilant