PRIME Minister Tony Blair, who as expected called a June 7 general election today, is hoping that it will not become known as the "foot and mouth election." Whether or not he gets his wish is highly debatable.

Some of the omens look good: newly reported cases last week averaged seven a day and, so far this week, it has fallen to three. A weekend of sunshine also helped - the virus thrives in cold weather but can be quickly killed by rising temperatures.

Agriculture minister Nick Brown today re-iterated last week's assertion that we are "on the home strait" and claimed that some new flare-ups of the disease could all be traced to "poor bio-security."

This, he explained, meant that some people already involved in outbreaks were spreading it by relaxing disinfectant measures to their own clothing and vehicles and he appealed for these people to tighten-up their anti-disease measures.

However, many countryside experts are worried that the election will act as a diversion to the battle against the disease and there could be even more flare-ups as cattle, released from their winter barns, run onto land contaminated by sheep.

The distinguished epidemiologist, Dr Richard North, has warned that exposure to the virus in infected fields could lead to "an explosion" of new cases. And bodies like the Country Landowners' Association remain deeply anxious.

The Yorkshire branch of the CLA is calling for a public enquiry into the Government's handling of the case, although that could not be completed - or even started - before the election.

Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn: "The Government's handling of the crisis must be fully examined by an independent inquiry when the disease has been eradicated.

"There seems to have been a lack of support, advice and information when all three were desperately needed although members have said that the staff on the ground worked well."

Although the opinion polls are forecasting another landslide win for Labour, party strategists are grimly aware that they hold more than 65 rural or semi-rural seats - and the foot and mouth situation, should it worsen once again, puts many of them at risk.

So like it or not, Mr Blair is very likely to be facing a foot and mouth election in the countryside at least.