VISITORS to North Yorkshire were advised to follow strict guidelines to take full advantage of the countryside over the Easter weekend.

A list of precautions has been drawn up by MAFF to help bolster the number visitors to the region and help contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Meanwhile early reports from Tourist Information Centres across North Yorkshire indicate the holiday weekend was typically busy.

A spokesman for MAFF said members of the public were being urged to take common sense precautions when visiting the countryside.

"The main risks arise from having contact with an infected animal, infected land or buildings and then transferring the virus to another animal," added the spokesman.

"The disease is sensitive to heat and disinfectants but it can remain active for some time on clothing or dried mud or dung on shoes and vehicles.

"Indirect transfer from person to person and then on to an animal is unlikely, but possible."

The spokesman reminded visitors to stick to precautions when visiting the countryside.

"Don't go near or feed livestock, respect 'closed' signs and advice on cleaning footwear and keep to open footpaths and keep dogs on leads," he said.

"We have also issued advice to local authorities which sets out clear criteria for considering opening up public rights of way.

"We are encouraging them to consult with landowners and managers to re-open footpaths which are considered to be low risk areas."

Initial reports from tourist bosses in the region are that visitor numbers have remained the same or in some instances increased from last year.

Many canals, inland waterways and towpaths were open for walkers and other visitors while many English Heritage and National Trust sites were open across the region.

Updated: 12:13 Monday, April 16, 2001