THE confirmed number of foot and mouth outbreaks nationwide reached 139 over the weekend of March 10 and 11 but Yorkshire farmers had cause for a little sigh of relief as there was no increase over the two already confirmed in the county (see Shadow over Hawes).

Despite the soaring numbers, Agriculture Nick Brown says that he is "confident" that the plague has peaked - a stroke of optimism not shared by thousands of farmers, vets and other experts who never the less are hoping he is right.

Some relaxation of sheep movements, to allow pregnant ewes to be moved to safer locations before lambing starts in earnest was welcomed by the NFU. A spokeswoman commented:

"The decision to allow further restricted movement of livestock will permit some desperate farmers to move animals to fresh pastures or gather in sheep from remote fields for lambing."

The movements will only be permitted under licence in unrestricted areas. Farmers will also need the approval of a vet before animals can be moved. For the full legal implications, check the MAFF website - see National Links.