ONLY one new case of foot and mouth disease was reported in the UK yesterday - near Penrith in Cumbria - the lowest total for many weeks. It gives rise hopes that the current heatwave might to helping improve the situation - the disease spreads fastest in cold, wet weather.

However, a major pig slaughter operation was launched near Thirsk as pigs are notorious incubators of the virus. And more sheep were being culled in the Breacon Beacons National Park, South Wales.