Foot and mouth spreads to Cornwall

A fresh case of foot and mouth disease was confirmed today in Cornwall, the county's first outbreak of the disease.

A spokesman for MAFF in Truro said the case was at Botathan, South Petherwin, just south of Launceston.

It is understood the disease was found in cattle at an abattoir which was already under restriction for its connection with other outbreaks.

The announcement, taking the total of cases nationwide to 41, comes as farmers and abattoir owners in disease-free areas were being given the opportunity to apply for special licences allowing the transportation of live animals.

Agriculture Minister Nick Brown has unveiled the scheme to get pig, sheep and cattle moving again. From this weekend, farmers and abattoir owners in disease-free areas will be allowed to apply for special licences to transport live animals.

The overall nationwide ban is to continue. The news comes after it emerged that four farmers are to face court action for allegedly moving livestock after the ban was imposed.

One farmer from Cumbria and three from Herefordshire face prosecution, it has been disclosed. Under the legislation, anyone convicted of an offence faces a fine of up to £5,000.

Colin Hebson, of Chapel Farm, Cotehill, near Carlisle, will appear before the town's magistrates on Monday accused of breaking the Foot and Mouth Declaratory (Controlled Area) Order 2001.

Herefordshire Council said it was taking court action against three farmers who allegedly moved sheep after the introduction of a ban on moving the animals.

A local authority spokesman said the three each faced prosecution under the 1981 Animal Health Act and would appear at Hereford Magistrates Court on the same day.