British animal health specialists scrambled Monday, to pinpoint the source of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, as the European Union confirmed a formal ban on British meat, livestock and milk exports.
Health detectives were focusing on a research center south of London near the site of the outbreak. Inspectors were reported to be studying whether the virus could have been carried six kilometers from the research facility to a cattle herd by water or wind.
Officials at the center say there have been no security breaches.
A British epidemic in 2001 devastated rural English communities and cost more than $16 billion to bring under control.
Foot-and-mouth disease affects animals with cloven hooves, such as cattle, pigs, deer, goats and sheep. It is not considered a threat to humans.
In Brussels, EU health officials said the export ban covers live cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, as well as meat and milk products.
South Korea Monday, imposed a ban on British pork and pigs, while Russia banned the import of pork from Britain.
Britain itself has banned the transport of all cattle, pigs and sheep within the country.
