AMERICAN vets have been flown in to help fight the outbreak of foot and mouth in Lancashire, it was revealed today.

The move came as government vets awaited results which could confirm two new cases -- at unnamed sites in Withnell and Great Harwood.

Five vets have been drafted in to help meet demand for extra vets as numbers working to fight the spread of foot and mouth in the county have been quadrupled.

Rob Paul, the vet leading the campaign to stamp out local cases of foot and mouth disease, said 32 vets, 21 technical support staff and 32 administration staff were working across Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside, visiting farms and advising farmers. Many local vets had also offered help. Previously there were eight vets working from the animal centre at Barton Hall near Preston.

Portable buildings have been installed at the local Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) headquarters near Preston to house the new staff who are expected to be needed for many month, including including manning new phone lines to offer advice to those affected by the disease.

A total of 220 "dangerous farms" have been identified across this region with at least 80 per cent of them in Lancashire, according to MAFF. Around Blackburn two cases of foot and mouth have been confirmed, at Ollerton Farm in Withnell and Slingers Abattoir in Great Harwood.

Mr Paul said it was still not possible to say whether the outbreak had peaked.

In addition to the current "all-purpose" helpline, 01772 861144 there are three new numbers for farmers needing advice on licensing. These are 01772 861696, 01772 861337, and 01772 861365. Another line for exporters has also been set up on 01772 860028.