Britain's Agriculture Ministry (Defra) confirmed on Wednesday that foot and mouth disease has broken out on a cattle farm in southern England.

"On the basis of these initial laboratory results and clinical symptoms Debby Reynolds, UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), has confirmed foot and mouth disease," Defra said in a statement.

"A movement ban of cattle, sheep, pigs and other ruminants has now been imposed in England and parallel arrangements are being made by the Scottish and Welsh administrations," it said. - Reuters