New contamination is thought to be linked to first outbreak which was spread by construction vehicle movements

Animals on a farm next to a foot and mouth infected premises in Surrey are being slaughtered on suspicion of contamination.

The outbreak is suspected to be linked to the contamination at Pirbright, which was thought to have been spread by construction workers.

Defra said the measure was ‘precautionary’ after it confirmed the new outbreak of foot and mouth yesterday.

A Temporary Control Zone has also been put around one premises in Norfolk, as Defra awaits laboratory results for foot and mouth clinical tests.

Limited movements of animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease are being allowed where necessary under strict biosecurity arrangements.

A general ban on movements of animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease is in place in England.