Farmers are being urged to maintain strict procedures to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

The plea -- from the National Farmers Union (NFU) -- follows the discovery of cases near Settle, an area previously clear of the disease.

The NFU reminds farmers to keep strict disinfection measures in place or risk allowing foot and mouth on to their farms.

Richard Ellison, for the NFU, said: "Although the number of cases is falling, no one can afford to relax.

"The new outbreaks around Settle should serve as a stark reminder to everyone in the countryside that this crisis is far from over.

"The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has confirmed that the vast majority of farmers are observing guidance to the letter.

"But there is no room for complacency -- it is vital that the fight against foot and mouth is not put at risk by the unthinking behaviour of a very small minority."

John Seymour, chairman of the NFU's environment committee, added: "The warm weather of the past week, coupled with an increase in traffic in the countryside, has caused the disinfectant mats on public highways to dry up more quickly.

"We appreciate that replenishing the disinfectant on the mats -- which farmers do voluntarily -- is an increasing burden on them, particularly at such a busy time in their calendar, but farmers have to maintain the biosecurity measures on public roads and on their farms."

Farmers wanting advice on biosecurity measures should contact MAFF's disease control centre on 0113 2300100.