FARMERS in the so-called Settle "rectangle" received another bitter blow with the confirmed outbreaks of six more cases bringing the total to 50 - a sure sign that the disease is far from beaten.

MAFF officials admit that the news outbreaks are "very worrying."

Meanwhile, farmers affected by the outbreak are being reminded that they may be due to financial help with tax and VAT problems or if they are planning to diversify into other areas of business.

A new tax bulletin has been issued by the Inland Revenue to cover foot and mouth implications and a telephone helpline has been set up: 0845 3000157.

Also, mandatory rate relief of up to 50% is now available to farmers with a rateable value of £6,000 or less wishing to diversify. Those wishing to apply should contact their local authority.

"Few of our members will be aware that this is now on the statute book," says Dorothy Fairburn, Yorkshire director of the Country Land and Business Association.

• The general election has thrown up one interesting case on the effect of foot and mouth on voting patterns. Although not all votes are yet counted, the only Tory to be elected in Scotland so far was in the Galloway seat - an area devastated by the disease.