Northern farmers in quick compensation call

The Ulster Farmers Union have called for immediate payment of compensation from the British government.

It is for farmers who have had animals slaughtered because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Many farmers' animals have been destroyed because of their proximity to the south Armagh farm where the single case was confirmed.

UFU President Douglas Rowe said losing animals was very traumatic and the union was "very concerned for the well-being of the farmers directly caught up in the crisis. It is essential that full compensation for the value of animals, which these farmers have lost, is paid to them as soon as possible."

Some 2,500 livestock have been slaughtered in the North to date - 1,000 sheep, 950 pigs and 550 cattle.