SURREY was bracing itself after Wednesday's announcement of a confirmed case of foot-and- mouth near Egham. A pre-emptive slaughter of animals was undertaken, and a 10km exclusion zone set around the site, which is some 50km away from the site of the last outbreak. With the case occurring some 21 days after the last case of the disease, the authorities could be facing a new source of the outbreak. On Wednesday morning, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) declared a new temporary control zone has been put around a grazing area in Surrey. Chief veterinary officer, Debby Reynolds said: "The containment and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease is our top priority. This is why we have moved swiftly to put in place a temporary control zone while we investigate this development. "In the meantime, and as always in such circumstances, I reiterate my message to animal keepers to practice the highest standards of bio- security, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly." For further up-to-date information visit the Defra website or contact the helpline on 08459 335577. • As a result of the latest developments both the planned open day at Pierrepont Farm, Tilford, tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday's Hampton Sponsored Ride have been cancelled.