THERE has been another outbreak of foot and mouth disease on a farm in Silsden.

Officials from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have confirmed an outbreak at Heights Farm, Silsden Moor. The livestock on the premises, which includes 89 cattle, will now be slaughtered.

The discovery follows the first outbreak confirmed in Silsden two weeks ago at the nearby Bridge House Farm.

The confirmation of the outbreak reinforces the latest message from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) urging farmers to remain vigilant.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA regional director for Yorkshire said: "Recent outbreaks have shown that the battle to finally eradicate the epidemic is far from over."

Farmers are urged to carry on using disinfectant at farm entrances and keep all movements on and off the premises to a minimum.

l Foot and mouth latest: P4