Foot-and-mouth farmers frustrated

The last case was discovered at Whygill Head Farm at Little Asby near Appleby, 12 months ago.

Since then farmers in the county have been cleaning and disinfecting their property and trying to restock.

But the National Farmers' Union (NFU) says there are still ways farmers could be helped to ensure things return to normal.

Illegal imports

County NFU chairman Will Cockbain says the 20-day animal movement restriction is putting unbearable pressure on farmers.

The rule means no livestock can be moved from a farm within 20 days of an animal being brought onto the premises.

Mr Cockbain said farmers are also frustrated because they feel illegal imports of meat are continuing to come into the UK.

'Increase security'

The NFU claims controls at British ports, to detect food products which may carry foot-and-mouth, are "woefully inadequate".

It has carried out a survey of travellers arriving in the country, and claims only 4% were given information on restrictions.

It is now calling on the government to step up security and give farmers more confidence in the future.