A “PROBABLE” new leak of foot and mouth has been discovered at the exact location where an outbreak of the virus was first found in August. The virus is believed to have escaped through a leaking valve at the Merial Animal Health facility in Pirbright,
Mr Benn told the Commons that despite the discovery of the disease, Defra's inspectors at the site have confirmed that the virus has not been released into the environment and has been contained in the drainage system.
The Pirbright site, which also contains the Government’s Institute for Animal Health, was the source of the foot and mouth outbreak in August and cost the farming industry an estimated £100 million. Mr Benn told MPs that it was “probable” that the “live FMD virus [was released] into the contained drainage system.” (Daily Express)
