Business as usual says county leader

East Sussex residents are being reassured that there is no risk to the public.

The county council says that its animal health team is working closely with the Government to monitor the situation and is ready to take any action immediately if it is required.

But council leader Cllr Peter Jones stressed that no countryside areas in the county had been closed and urged residents and visitors that it was "business as usual" as far as tourism was concerned.

Cllr Jones said: "Only a small part of the South East is affected - foot and mouth disease has not broken out in East Sussex nor in any neighbouring county at this time.

"I want to reassure residents and visitors that there is no reason to stop enjoying the countryside, particularly with the good weather that has arrived with the school holidays, and that no pathways have been closed as a result of the outbreak.

"I understand why residents and particularly farmers are worried - foot and mouth disease virtually crippled the countryside economy in 2001. But some important lessons were learnt both by Central Government and locally from that outbreak and the County Council has robust plans in place to deal with any outbreak in East Sussex."

Cllr Jones said that the Health Protection Agency had advised that foot and mouth disease is not a direct public health threat and has no implications for the human food chain.

He added: "As far as we are concerned, it is business as usual in East Sussex and if circumstances change, we will tell the public immediately."

A protection zone of three kilometres radius and surveillance zone of 10 kilometres has been placed around the farm near Guildford in Surrey where the case was confirmed.

Nationally, no animal movements of ruminants (mainly cows and sheep) and pigs are allowed except under licence. Controls are also in place on movement of animal carcasses.

Animal gatherings, shearing and dipping are restricted, and all farms must increase hygiene levels. Where it is necessary for dairy cows to cross a public road to be milked this is permitted only under strict condition that the road is fully cleaned afterwards.

The county's animal health team is on standby and should the infection spread into East Sussex will implement any necessary control measures.

Anyone wishing to report a suspected illegal animal movement should call 01323 418200 and select option two.

Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - has set up a telephone line for enquiries on 08459 33 55 77.

There is also information about the outbreak and Foot and Mouth on its website www.defra.gov.uk