FARMERS across the region are being urged not to drop their guard against foot-and-mouth after several new cases were reported .

Last night, a National Farmers' Union official criticised the Government for the way in which the crisis has been handled since the start of the General Election campaign.

John Ryder, county chairman of the union in North Riding, North Yorkshire and Durham said: "I am absolutely infuriated with the attitude of senior politicians in saying the disease is over. It has encouraged people to think that the restrictions no longer apply.

"We are getting there, but the fight is not yet over by a long way, and we need to keep up the guard because of the risk of spreading the disease.

"It just needs one slip up of people between farms acting irresponsibly and there could be more cases. I am not saying people should not go out, but they should be careful and adhere to the restrictions.

"It is absolutely vital people do not let their guard down."

Mr Ryder's warning came as a fresh case was confirmed in County Durham last night, at Burton House, Staindrop.

And a new front was opened up in North Yorkshire after almost 270 cattle had to be slaughtered at Viewley Hill Farm, High Worsall, near Yarm, on Sunday.

It is now the fifth case of the disease in the area, following two recent outbreaks at Picton and two in nearby Crathorne.

The weekend also saw three outbreaks in Skipton and four new cases in the Settle area of North Yorkshire.

As a result, police in the county yesterday issued a no-go plea while a culling operation is carried out in the affected parts of the county.

A police spokesman said: "Our message to the public is that if they do not have to be in the area, they should avoid it."

Yesterday's case at Staindrop was among four new cases of the disease confirmed by Maff, bringing the national total to 1,621.

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