Foot and mouth advice for pet-owners

Britain's RSPCA is advising pet owners on precautions they need to take during the foot and mouth crisis.

The disease affects mostly cloven-footed animals such as cows, sheep and pigs but other animals can carry it.

Dog owners should keep their pets out of fields and walk them on leads while cats should only be let out for short periods.

The RSPCA's chief veterinary officer Chris Laurence said: "Lead exercise along a road may not be as enriching for a dog but at the moment that is all they should get."

Cats can be let out but should be called back with regular tit-bits.

Rats, mice and pot-bellied pigs can be infected and guinea pigs are mildly susceptible.

They should be kept indoors and owners who have any contact with farm animals should wash thoroughly before handling them.

There is no risk at all for rabbits so they can be left out in their run as usual.