LANCASHIRE has been given the all-clear from foot and mouth after not having a single case for almost five months, since the last on June 28.

The achievement means animal movements under licence will be able to start again to other parts of the country, except to the counties which remain high risk.

Farmers have been forced to stay under strict restrictions while blood testing has been taking place, placing their business under severe pressures both in terms of animal welfare and cash flow.

Despite the good news, farmers are still only able to move animals under a licence obtained from their local authority and a 21-day standstill continues to add complications to day-to-day practical farming.

NFU Lancashire county chairman Ken Baxter said: "It is a great relief that at last Lancashire has achieved foot and mouth disease free status. It has been a long battle and the NFU has lobbied tirelessly for the county's livestock farmers including meeting senior DEFRA officials in London.

"I am optimistic that the North West has seen the last of the disease. It has been an extremely difficult year for everyone concerned with agriculture. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their continued support during the crisis. It has been greatly appreciated."

But government officials stressed it was vital for everyone in the agricultural industry to stay vigilant.

Divisional veterinary manager for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Rob Paul, said: "Farmers in Lancashire need to get back to business as soon as possible and this is tremendous news for both the farming community and everyone who loves the countryside.

"We can't afford to drop our guard, however, and I would stress that vigilance and strict biosecurity measures remain essential for this disease finally to be eradicated."

The county had 50 cases of foot and mouth.