FOOT-AND-MOUTH disease last night appeared to have opened up a new front in the region.

Ministry of Agriculture (Maff) vets confirmed a case in North Yorkshire, at Low Farm, Carlsmoor, Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon.

The farm, which is on the eastern edge of the dales, is some distance from the rash of cases that have been recorded in the Settle area in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, farmers surrounding the latest outbreak in County Durham faced an anxious wait last night to find out if their animals would have to be slaughtered.

A case was confirmed at New Moor Farm, Walworth Gate, near Darlington, on Sunday, and tests were being carried out yesterday to determine which farms, if any, would be classed as contiguous, or dangerous contacts.

John Archer, who runs the tenant farm with his father, Robert, was unavailable for comment.

Maff said: "Of the 457 cattle slaughtered, 307 have been sent to Tow Law for burial and 150 have been sent away to be rendered."

Richard Watts, the National Farmers' Union representative for the Darlington area, said yesterday: "This is a terrible time for everyone in the farming community - and a very nervous time for those farmers close to New Moor Farm."

"If anything, this proves the disease is still spreading, and that this epidemic is far from over."