NOTHING government ministers and officials have said in the last fortnight suggests a change in its attitude that the foot-and-mouth crisis is over.

The government decision to revoke all footpath closure orders on July 20 unless they lie within three kilometres of an infected place flies in the face of the continuing crisis, particularly in North Yorkshire.

This is a critical time in the county. The new cases in the Thirsk area, following the outbreaks north of Northallerton and in Bishopdale, have underlined that the outbreak is as virulent as it was in February and March. It is not under control.

Those involved in the hard-pressed tourism industry recognise the reality too. They know that being over hasty at this stage could mean that the after-effects of the outbreak could be felt well into next year. Most tourism businesses in the North York moors and Yorkshire dales have written this year off. They need to be sure that the disease is over by the time a massive promotion campaign kicks in to lure the visitors back next year.

While their energies will be rightly be directed to seeking financial help where appropriate to tide them through to better times, they also need to be sure that everything is being done to bring the outbreak finally under control. Thoughtless re-opening of the footpath network should not be part of that.

Footpaths have been opened in the county. The county council's chief executive has pointed out to the government this week that despite the recent outbreaks, the lifting of the blanket orders will mean 80pc of footpaths in the county will be open, albeit in the south of the county below the A170.

The county council rightly seeks exemptions to the re-opening policy in a number of places, most notably the Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley areas. Wensleydale, the northern part of the North York moors and the area around the deer park at Studley Royal are the others. Arguably the county council should also have sought an exemption for Swaledale which lies sandwiched between two Pennine hotspots, Teesdale and Wensleydale.

It is a difficult balance to strike but all those who have been closely involved in the management of the crisis know the importance of getting priorities right. The disease has to be tackled properly first. Then and only then can attention be diverted to the difficult business of bringing the visitors back.

It is also important that the campaign to rejuvenate the tourism industry has the consent of everybody. There is no point communicating a message that the county is open for business when the farming community is urging caution. Such a confused message would be disastrous. Doing two things at once is not an option.