Menu
07/09/2007
Foot-And-Mouth Report Blames Leaky Drains
The recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Surrey was probably caused by leaky drains combined with heavy rain and building work, according to a report.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) said it was "pretty clear" the virus escaped from Pirbright laboratories, four miles from where the disease was discovered.
The Pirbright site is shared by Government-funded Institute for Animal Health (IAH) and pharmaceutical company Merial Animal Health.
HSE Chief Executive, Geoffrey Podger, said it was not possible to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak at the site, however his teams examination of the site showed "long-term damage" to the pipework of the effluent system, which could have allowed the virus to escape.
Mr Podger said: "We judged it likely that waste water containing the live virus, having entered the drainage pipework, then leaked out and contaminated the surrounding soil."
Professor Brian Spratt of Imperial College London, who conducted a separate biosecurity investigation into the outbreak, said the drains were "poorly maintained and rarely inspected".
At a news conference in central London, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said it was not possible to know the exact cause of the outbreak and the government would take "every possible precaution" to prevent a recurrence of the leak, including new requirements for the IAH and Merial to ensure all of their waste was sterilised within a high-containment area.
He also said there would be revised regulations and guidance on access to restricted sites in the wake of the review into biosecurity.
(CD/SP)
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) said it was "pretty clear" the virus escaped from Pirbright laboratories, four miles from where the disease was discovered.
The Pirbright site is shared by Government-funded Institute for Animal Health (IAH) and pharmaceutical company Merial Animal Health.
HSE Chief Executive, Geoffrey Podger, said it was not possible to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak at the site, however his teams examination of the site showed "long-term damage" to the pipework of the effluent system, which could have allowed the virus to escape.
Mr Podger said: "We judged it likely that waste water containing the live virus, having entered the drainage pipework, then leaked out and contaminated the surrounding soil."
Professor Brian Spratt of Imperial College London, who conducted a separate biosecurity investigation into the outbreak, said the drains were "poorly maintained and rarely inspected".
At a news conference in central London, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said it was not possible to know the exact cause of the outbreak and the government would take "every possible precaution" to prevent a recurrence of the leak, including new requirements for the IAH and Merial to ensure all of their waste was sterilised within a high-containment area.
He also said there would be revised regulations and guidance on access to restricted sites in the wake of the review into biosecurity.
(CD/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 September 2007
Virus Strain 'Same In Foot-And-Mouth Outbreaks'
The latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Surrey is "likely" to be the same strain that infected two farms in the area last month, the government has confirmed.
Virus Strain 'Same In Foot-And-Mouth Outbreaks'
The latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Surrey is "likely" to be the same strain that infected two farms in the area last month, the government has confirmed.
19 February 2007
Bernard Matthews staff face lay-offs
Around 130 workers at a Bernard Matthews site are to be temporarily laid off following the recent bird flu outbreak. The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
Bernard Matthews staff face lay-offs
Around 130 workers at a Bernard Matthews site are to be temporarily laid off following the recent bird flu outbreak. The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
08 August 2007
Inspectors Continue To Trace Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak
Health inspectors are continuing to investigate the outbreak of foot-and-mouth at two farms in Surrey to find the cause. A number of lines of inquiry are being investigated, including the possibility that employees from a nearby research site could have spread the virus.
Inspectors Continue To Trace Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak
Health inspectors are continuing to investigate the outbreak of foot-and-mouth at two farms in Surrey to find the cause. A number of lines of inquiry are being investigated, including the possibility that employees from a nearby research site could have spread the virus.
17 July 2003
Vigilance urged over possible reappearance of Sars virus
Sars could reappear later this year, scientists have warned, as international health protection agencies worldwide debate what measures to take against the return of a virus which has already claimed over 800 lives.
Vigilance urged over possible reappearance of Sars virus
Sars could reappear later this year, scientists have warned, as international health protection agencies worldwide debate what measures to take against the return of a virus which has already claimed over 800 lives.
09 April 2013
Swansea Measles Outbreak At Over 600 Cases
A measles outbreak in Swansea has reached 620 cases, as health officials warn there is no sign of the epidemic coming to an end. Latest figures show around 15 to 20 new cases being reported every day, and an increase of 32 cases last Friday alone.
Swansea Measles Outbreak At Over 600 Cases
A measles outbreak in Swansea has reached 620 cases, as health officials warn there is no sign of the epidemic coming to an end. Latest figures show around 15 to 20 new cases being reported every day, and an increase of 32 cases last Friday alone.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
