The National Farmers' Union is urging farmers and delivery companies to ensure drivers take the correct disease prevention measures before entering and after leaving farms.

The advice was given following a number of foot and mouth outbreaks on farms in the north of England where MAFF officials have had difficulty in identifying the source of the disease.

"Everyone must play their part in eradicating the disease from our countryside," said Richard Ellison, NFU north-east regional director.

"Delivery drivers and farmers have to know what they should and should not do to avoid the possibility of the disease being spread."

MAFF advises drivers to provide an alternative delivery point, such as a post box, at the farm boundary or make alternative arrangements to collect mail from the post office.

If no alternative arrangements have been made, drivers should deliver to the farm house only and stay on the path.

They should not go near livestock or places where livestock have been and always use disinfectant footbaths provided.

On leaving farms, drivers should disinfect boots and ensure all traces of mud, slurry or manure are washed off their vehicles at the boundary of the premises.

More advice is available on the MAFF website www.maff.gov.uk.

Updated: 13:25 Thursday, April 19, 2001