British authorities said on Tuesday that tests confirmed the existence of a second foot-and-mouth case in southern England, prompting speculations that the outbreak is spreading.

British Environment Minister Hilary Benn said the second case was confirmed near the farm that was sealed off in Surrey last week and about 50 animals were culled after showing signs of the disease.

Thorough tests were conducted at the farm and the results were positive, prompting a swift reaction from authorities.

Tuesday’s confirmation comes after the European Union announced it will ban all exports of animals, meat and milk from Britain until the outbreak is contained. Meanwhile the investigation continues, in order to determine the origin of this deadly disease after a potential source has been detected at a laboratory five kilometers away from the farm.

Merial Animal Health is producing vaccines against foot-and-mouth and the strain found in infected cattle was the same as the one used by its laboratories, but the company denied any breach of their biosecurity.

Latest estimations reveal that Britain’s economy could suffer losses of nearly 30 million dollars each week due to this outbreak and bankruptcy is looming for many producers if the disease isn’t contained in a short period.

This latest measure imposed by the European Union represents a serious blow for Britain, that exports most of its meat products to EU member countries, the community declaring all Britain except Northern Ireland a “high-risk area.”