A FARMER whose livestock was confirmed with foot-and-mouth has suffered a second tragedy after his son-in-law collapsed and died helping to gather sheep off a moor for slaughter.

Mr Ivan Wilcox, aged 40, collapsed on Wednesday as he helped gather the sheep for slaughter from grouse moors at Carlesmoor, near Kirkby Malzeard. Attempts to resuscitate him by military personnel failed.

Mr Wilcox, who was known as Bob, was helping to gather sheep belonging to his father-in-law, Mr John Umpleby, of Low Farm, where foot-and-mouth was confirmed in a dairy cow on Monday, resulting in the slaughter of 107 cows, 906 sheep and the family's pet goats.

Locals reported that the sound of shooting could be heard up to 6km away on Monday afternoon.

MAFF officials stopped work at the farm after Mr Wilcox's death on Wednesday and resumed the grim task yesterday.

Mr Wilcox leaves his wife Tracey, who is a cook at the local primary school, and three children. The family lives at The Grange, close to Low Farm.

Neighbouring farmer Mr Geoff Lobley said the tragedy had shocked the isolated community: "He was a well-liked family man. Everyone feels very sorry for the families concerned. It's a dreadful tragedy.

"The children are only young. You can get over foot-and-mouth, but this is permanent. He was a husband and a dad who will be missing forever."

The minister for the Fountains parishes, Canon Tony Keddie, said: "I have been allowed to go and see them. They're very shocked but bearing up magnificently considering the situation."

Local farmers expressed disbelief at the outbreak, as they had done their best to keep the disease out of the area, which is about 13 miles from the nearest outbreak in Wharfedale.

However, it was suggested that at least two lorries carrying carcasses from outbreaks at Settle had passed through Kirkby Malzeard.

Local farmers were critical of the lack of communication and information from Maff, as well as the decision to have farmers help get the sheep off the moor.

Mr Lobley said: "I think it's disgusting. They must be under an awful lot of stress and then to have to go and round them up, it's awful."

Mr Lobley's sheep mix with Mr Umpleby's flock on the moor and yesterday he was still waiting to hear if his were to be slaughtered.

Mr Lobley said that if the virus was found in sheep on Carlesmoor, it could result in Dallowgill and Masham moors being cleared: "If they take them off the whole lot it could be 2,000 sheep or more."

Livestock belonging to neighbouring farmer Mr Lewis Burrill, including 20 cattle and 143 sheep, was also slaughtered in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease.