Supplies of disinfectant used to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth are running critically low in some parts of Britain, a farm lobby group said today.
The Country Land and Business Association said some areas of the country had virtually none of the vital liquid as the disease continued to spread.
Farmers in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire and Oxfordshire were finding it harder to find suppliers and the situation had been like that for three or four days.
Ms Frances Beatty, the group's regional director for the West Midlands said: "The situation is critical in the midlands but I know the problem is nationwide having spoken to my colleagues in other parts of the country.
"I have spoken to MAFF [the Agriculture Ministry] and they say they have plenty in stock but it is a problem of distribution.
"If that is the case I want to know what is going on. The disinfectant will not stop the airborne spread of the disease but it is vital in preventing the spread on the ground."
Mrs Beatty said British stocks had been depleted after the government sent a large amount to help deal with the aftermath of India and El Salvador earthquakes.
"The American and New Zealand authorities stockpile in large quantities and I have written to the American Ambassador asking for help. I am waiting for a reply," she added.
PA