The animals were being slaughtered as a precautionary measure after initial blood tests revealed that they had been exposed to the virus.

The sheep were based inside the 1.8-mile protection zone set up last week in Surrey

The sheep were based on Klondyke farm, in Hardwick Road, near Egham, which is inside the 1.8-mile zone set up after the outbreaks in cattle at two farms near the Surrey town last week.

A spokesman for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: "Initial blood tests on clinically healthy sheep on a farm within the protection zone suggest exposure to FMD.

"These animals were identified as part of the surveillance work that is being carried out in the area. All animals on the premises are being slaughtered on suspicion. Further laboratory tests are ongoing."

The outbreak comes a day after the Government lifted a nationwide ban on animals being taken for slaughter, and ministers again face accusations that they relaxed restrictions too early.

Source: Daily Telegraph