FARMS should be turned into fortresses to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease.
That's the advice from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
They are also urging farmers to start keeping detailed records of their financial losses.
CLA spokesman Peter Hampson said: "Straw should be spread at all farm entrances and soaked thoroughly with disinfectant. It may be appropriate to treat footpath and bridleway entrances in the same way.
"Susceptible livestock - cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer - should be as far as possible contained in fields not bounded or crossed by footpaths or bridleways.
"Housed stock should not be turned out. All stock should be inspected daily and, should any show the symptoms of foot and mouth, owners should telephone the local animal health office immediately.
"Movement off farms should be kept to a minimum. The Post Office is already arranging delivery points at farm gates. Similarly, any work by contractors, pest control operatives or others who move from farm to farm should be suspended."
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