Britain's farming industry is bracing itself for a "very large epidemic" as the foot-and-mouth outbreaks rose to 514 today.
An official government report this morning estimated that the disease would grow fast in the next few weeks and "continue for many months".
The report, compiled for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) by disease specialists, also estimated that cases could rise to the level of 70 a day over the next two weeks with more than 4,000 cases being recorded by June.
The commander of the British army unit assisting with the effort to contain foot-and-mouth disease in Cumbria, today spelt out plans for mass slaughter sites around the county.
Up to 300,000 live animals and thousands more carcasses are expected to be transported from farms in the "cull zones" to centralised slaughter and disposal sites set up on disused airfields, said Brigadier Alex Birtwistle, of 42 North-West Brigade.
Just 53 Army personnel are currently assigned to the task of organising the operation, which will draw on the skills of local farmers, contractors and slaughtermen.
Brig Birtwistle told Channel 4 News that three airfields have been established and specially-adapted vehicles are to be used to ensure that foot-and-mouth is not spread during the journeys from farm to slaughter site.
He said soldiers will not get involved in the actual killing of the animals, which will be done by licensed slaughtermen.
He added local farmers and National Farmers' Union officials were assisting in drawing up the plans.
PA