Foot and Mouth Disease in England May Be Under Control (2/2)

Tests of cows on 2 other farms in Surrey showed no presence of the highly infectious virus. So experts say the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease could be over by the end of the week if no new cases are found. However, they urged farmers to continue to check their cattle for signs of the disease.

British health investigators believe there is a strong possibility the outbreak started in a research center close to the farms. The center has 2 laboratories that use the virus for research and to make vaccines. One of the laboratories rejected the claim. It said there is no evidence the virus was transported out of the laboratory by people.

In 2001, foot-and-mouth disease cost the British agricultural and tourism industries billions of dollars. More than 6 million animals were killed. The crisis delayed a general election for a month, canceled many sports events and closed the countryside to visitors.

The disease affects animals such as cows, pigs, goats and sheep. It spreads easily through direct contact among animals. It is also spread by people on clothing and shoes.