Merial Denies Biosecurity Breach
UK - Pharmaceutical firm Merial has repeated its claim that it is not responsible for the recent foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.
8 August 2007
2 minute read
"To date, we have not been able to establish any evidence that the virus may have been transported out of our centre by humans."
Merial
Merial shares its facilities with the Institute for Animal Health, a government agency. Both have already said they have maintained the highest possible standards at their shared laboratory.
"Over the last three and a half days we have conducted intensive internal investigations and, as a result, continue to have complete confidence in our processes and procedures for health, safety and environmental protection, quality control, quality assurance and regulatory compliance," the company said.
"To date, we have not been able to establish any evidence that the virus may have been transported out of our centre by humans."
Yesterday's HSE report, however, said there were "various potential routes for accidental or deliberate transfers of material from the site". It added that investigations of these are being "urgently pursued".
The report appears to have ruled out airborne release of the strain from the site but says waterborne release from flooding "remains a possibility", despite saying geographical factors make such an outcome "negligible".
"We will continue with our work and report further as necessary," it concluded.
Environment secretary Hilary Benn said further interviews with personnel at Pirbright would take place, with a view to the HSE providing an update on the situation quickly.
