England set to be declared free of foot-and-mouth

Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer Jim Scudamore is to receive the results of tests which could see England declared free of foot-and-mouth disease after more than 10 months.

Government vets worked through the weekend in four regions of the country still classed as being "at risk".

They carried out blood tests on farm animals to ensure that they are rid of the disease, three months after the last recorded case.

It is hoped that Mr Scudamore would be able to declare Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland foot-and-mouth free early this week, clearing the way for England to be declared free of foot-and-mouth.

A spokeswoman for Britain's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said a "massive effort" had been put in to complete the tests and prepare reports on the four counties for Mr Scudamore.

"The three months guideline is just one element of all this. Each region has its own peculiarities and the Chief Veterinary Officer has to take a view on each case," she said.

The last case of British foot-and-mouth was confirmed in Cumbria on September 30, eight months after the start of the outbreak, which was the most serious animal disease epidemic in the UK in modern times and led to the slaughter of millions of animals.

If disease-free status is achieved, the next step for many in the farming community will be the relaxation of restrictions imposed at the start of the outbreak.

This is expected in the worst-hit areas by mid-February, and will involve the re-opening of cattle markets and the general licensing of animal movements.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have already been declared disease free.