ANIMAL movements have been banned in Lancashire after the suspected foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.

County council bosses have imposed the conditions and bosses are urging the public to report anyone who breaks the ban.

Police and trading standards officers were today attending markets to ensure that everyone adheres to the ban.

The action was taken after farm in the Egham area of Surrey became the centre of a suspected foot and mouth outbreak.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials said the new suspected outbreak was just 10 miles away from the centre of August's scare in Pirbright.

The suspected outbreak comes just weeks after controls imposed following the outbreak in August were lifted.

And Lancashire cattle markets had this week only just got permission to re-open.

David Graveston, chairman of the Lancashire branch of the National Farmers' Union, said the news was another blow to agriculture just as markets were re-opening after the first outbreak.

He said: "This has totally upset all the plans to get things up and running again.

"Its unnerving and has made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

"The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial in judging the extent of the disease.

"Obviously, we were just getting things back on stream and with the EU now revoking their decision to allow exports it's a real blow."

County Coun Jean Battle, cabinet member for community planning and partnerships, said: "The support and cooperation from the farming community has been very good and we are all working together to safeguard the industry at this time.

"However our phone line is available for any farmer who requires advice or for anyone who thinks the rules on animal movements may be being broken.

"As soon as the notification came through regarding the case in Surrey our Animal Health Officers acted immediately by alerted the organisers of weekend sales and shows to ensure the nationwide ban on all animal movements was supported.

"Hopefully the present outbreak will be contained and controlled with an appropriate easing of restrictions in the coming days."

Anyone who suspects animals are being moved or transported are advised to contact the Lancashire County Council Animal Health hotline on 0845 330 1221.