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 south Warwickshire.

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 are being 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.

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, and Dr Brian McClosky, Worcestershire. Director of Public Health, reaffirmed on Monday there was no danger to the public from foot and mouth.

On the temporary ban on exports of live animals and meat, Mr Forster said: "This ban will be devastating for us - 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 now."

Warwickshire county NFU chairman James Walton, of Long Compton, said: "It is vital the disease is stopped in its tracks. We are doing all that we can do by keeping people away from farms."

The Government came under attack from Worcestershire MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews who said: "Why have we for so long continued to allow imports of South African meat, now suspected of being the cause of the problem? Why have we not banned beef from France and Germany which fail to meet UK food hygiene and control standards."

The Ministry of Agriculture has set up a phone Helpline for farmers, livestock handlers and others seeking specialist advice during the current epidemic.

Those requiring specialist advice are advised to phone 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 on the situation should use the helpline number 0845 0504141. n For a full foot and mouth round-up see pages 4 and 5.