LIVESTOCK farmers have put up the shutters in a bid to prevent foot and mouth disease wiping out cattle and pig herds and flocks of sheep in north Gloucestershire.

Since the first outbreak was confirmed in Northumberland eight days ago, the disease has spread across the country, with the nearest outbreak in Herefordshire.

Farms are only accepting essential visitors and only then under the most stringent of hygiene measures.

The ban on the movement of stock has been extended for two weeks from tomorrow (Friday), and local authorities have emergency powers to close footpaths in areas under risk.

Stock markets are closed, all hunting called off and people urged to stay off farm land.

National Hunt racing was suspended for seven days from yesterday (Wednesday), point-to-point meetings have been called off and many major events cancelled, including the Liberty and Livelihood march on London on March 18 when up to half a million people were expected to descend on the capital.

Supplies of home-produced meat will last a few more days and then supermarkets and independent butchers will have to source supplies from overseas. Shoppers have been told there is no need to panic.

Meanwhile, the Government is expected to announce plans tomorrow (Friday) which will permit unaffected stock to go for slaughter.

Bob Forster, NFU regional director in the West Midlands, said farmers would do whatever it took to stop the disease turning into the complete catastrophe of the 1960s.

He stressed that this was not a human health control measure, as there were no implications for the human food chain, according to the Food Standards Agency.

On the temporary ban on exports of live animals and meat, Mr Forster said: "This will be devastating - it is like staring into an abyss. On top of all the problems we have had to surmount in the past few years, the impact is unthinkable.

"But it is in the interests of the whole of the British livestock industry that the spread of the disease is halted and there is simply no alternative.

"The sooner the outbreak is controlled, the sooner any restrictions can be lifted and that has to be our main priority."

The Ministry of Agriculture has set up a phone helpline for farmers, livestock handlers and others seeking specialist advice on 01905 763355; ask for the Foot and Mouth Advice Hotline. The phones will be manned from 8am to 6pm seven days a week during the current situation.

Members of the public or those seeking general advice can use the national helpline number 0845 0504141.

The MAFF website www.maff.gov.uk also contains regularly updated information.