Devon awaits final virus blood test

26 November 2001



Devon awaits final virus blood test

By Adrienne Francis

DEVON farmers are waiting for the result of a single blood test to confirm the county is free from foot-and-mouth disease.

The sample, from Tiverton, is the last in a series of delayed results, and if negative will allow government vets to lift restrictions limiting livestock movements.

The Independent reports that there has been growing confusion over the final series of blood-test results, delayed from last week.

Devon National Farmers Union chairman David Hill said the test result would spell “instant death or instant success” to the industry.

“If we go free it will be a huge morale boost,” he told the paper.

Officials at the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs say the results may be available on Monday (26 November).