Abattoir tests positive for pig disease

The abattoir was sealed off last year

The abattoir where foot and mouth disease was first detected last year has tested positive for another infection not seen in the UK for more than a decade.

Routine testing in pigs at Cheale Meats in Little Warley near Brentwood, Essex, found six positive results for Aujeszky's disease, it was revealed on Friday.

Investigations are also under way at farms in Lancashire, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Sussex and Lincolnshire, to assess the significance of the results.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was possible the blood tests results had come from a false laboratory reading or a contamination of samples.

We are going back to the farms where the pigs came from to see if there are any clinical signs of the disease there

Defra spokesman

"These tests took place some time ago. The results have taken some time to get to us," the spokesman said.

"These are tests of animals that have been slaughtered.

"Now we are going back to the farms where the pigs came from to see if there are any clinical signs of the disease there."

Blood testing of pigs has started on the farms and will continue over the weekend. The spokesman said the results should be known early next week.

The State Veterinary Service will also be looking at breeding and production records on the farms.

Natural host Aujeszky's disease is mainly found in pigs and is not as infectious as foot-and-mouth disease.

Although this is the first time it has been detected in the UK since the late 1980s, the disease is common in Europe.

Defra say pigs are the natural host for the Aujeszky's virus, although it can infect cattle, sheep, cats, dogs and rats.

Symptoms in pigs include shivering, lack of coordination and hind leg weakness.

Remaining open The disease is particularly dangerous for piglets, especially those less than seven days old where it proves fatal.

Animal Health Minister Elliot Morley says the investigation is not a major cause for concern at this stage.

"We have been in touch with the industry and will make the results of the samples available in due course," he said.

Cheale Meats has remained open for business, despite the investigation.