New case of foot-and-mouth in UK

LONDON, England -- Foot-and-mouth has been confirmed on a farm in an area before untouched by the disease, the government has said.

Almost 100 animals were slaughtered on Eames Farm, Bridgwater, Somerset, as a precaution after suspicious symptoms were spotted on an animal, the department for environment and rural affairs said.

Vets have visited neighbouring farms, near the village of North Newton, to keep farmers informed.

A total of 34 cattle, 37 sheep and 18 lambs have been culled on the farm.

Four cases of foot-and-mouth have been confirmed in Somerset to date, with three in the village of Wiveliscombe, about 15 miles from North Newton, in April.

The only other case in Somerset was further north at Axbridge at the very beginning of the national outbreak, although the county has also been subject to restrictions after confirmed cases in neighbouring counties.