Mass cull ordered around mart

Mass slaughter is planned as the Welsh toll rises

The Welsh Assembly has ordered the mass slaughter of all animals which came into contact with a mid Wales market blamed for spreading foot-and-mouth.

Welsh Agriculture Minister Carwyn Jones said the move was part of a new "intensified effort" against the disease.

Carwyn Jones: Intensified effort

On Thursday the total of confirmed cases rose to 16. Four new outbreaks were identified - one on Anglesey, and three in Powys, at Llanfair Caereinion, Felindre, and Berriew near Welshpool.

Mr Jones said the that all animals which had been at the Welshpool Livestock Auctions after 19 February - and all animals which had been in contact with them - would be culled.

The announcement coincided with plans around the rest of the UK to slaughter approximately 100,000 apparently healthy sheep which may have been exposed to the virus.

Following talks with UK Agriculture Minister Nick Brown, Mr Jones said there would be "compensation for the full value of any animal compulsorily slaughtered under these arrangements".

But as the plans were announced, the owners of the mart in question were continuing to dispute that they were to blame for the spread.

They have confirmed they are seeking legal advice following statements from the Ministry of Agriculture naming the mart as the source of confirmed cases in the region.

We will have to take a legal opinion on what has been said because it's very damaging to our business

John Jones of Welshpool Livestock Auctions

Auctioneer John Jones told BBC Wales: "I'm very upset about what Maff has said - and particularly what Mr Brown said in his press statement where he linked this market to various outbreaks throughout the country including one in Cheshire."

"On inquiry, we spoke to the gentleman concerned in Cheshire and we find he hasn't been in the market since 16 October.

"We will have to take a legal opinion on what has been said because it's very damaging to our business."

Meanwhile, two Welsh farmers have been appearing before magistrates in Ludlow accused of failing to disinfect vehicles used to take livestock to an abattoir in Craven Arms in Shropshire.

Foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed for the first time in France on Tuesday.

About 90 countries, including the United States and Australia, have now banned live animal imports and meat and dairy products from the EU.

Two farmers are in court for failing to disinfect vehicles

The spectre of foot-and-mouth hangs heavy over many rural communities across Wales.

In parts of Montgomeryshire, mid Wales, fears that disease will spread to them has become a painful reality.

Three new cases were confirmed in the area on Wednesday, and the town of Montgomery is still reeling from the news.

"There's a very depressing atmosphere around here," said deputy mayor Simon Bedford.

"People in the pub are all taking about it and there doesn't seem to be and end to it."

But as the fervour in Wales's farming communities reaches a new peak, relaxation of the restricted access to attractions in the Gwynedd area of north Wales takes effect from Thursday.

Six golf courses are to re-open. But space within infected areas such as Snowdon are to remain closed.

The NFU has set up a new dedicated helpline to answer queries on foot-and-mouth: 08000 646363.