The first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in the Vale of York yesterday at Kirby Knowle, near Thirsk.
Nearly 200 cattle and 2000 sheep will have to be slaughtered.
Local Tory MP Anne McIntosh said: "This is news we have all been dreading....we must brace ourselves for the worst"
The MP has written to Rural Affairs Secretary Margaret Beckett demanding that the Government and local authorities rethink the reopening of footpaths through farm land.
Updated : 17:40, Thursday 5th July
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