Farmers are hoping foot-and-mouth is in its final throes after no new cases were confirmed in Britain yesterday.
It was the first time there had been no new cases since the outbreak began in February.
The current total of confirmed cases is 1,603 in Britain.
A Ministry of Agriculture spokesman said: "It is very encouraging that the number of new cases is continuing to decline. I don't think we would like to say that it is over yet."
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A National Farmers' Union spokeswoman said: "It is brilliant news. If this sets a precedent, that will be reassuring for farmers."
PA