A HERD of beef cattle has been slaughtered in the Leigh area's first case of foot-and-mouth in the current epidemic.

Following tests on bullocks at Chadwicks Farm at Crankwood, mid-way between Leigh and Abram, 48 beef cattle were culled sparking fears that more animals on neighbouring farms may have to be culled.

As ministry men moved in farmers at the southerly end of Crankwood Road, nearest to Plank Lane and Pennington Flash Country Park, urged the slaughtermen's convoy to approach Chadwicks Farm from the Dover Lock end of the lane to avoid the risk of transmitting the disease.

A Government spokesman said a suspected outbreak at Chadwicks was confirmed after blood samples were taken from animals.

He said: "The farm's 48 beef cattle were slaughtered on suspicion of foot-and-mouth. Test results have confirmed they were infected."

At Chadwicks devastated farmer and DIY business owner John Roberts said: "I haven't got time to comment at the moment."

Tests are being carried out at neighbouring farms, within a 3km radius, to establish whether more culling is necessary.

At Gino Urbani's nearby New Bear Hey Farm, alongside the Leigh branch of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, a 170-strong herd of beef cattle is being tested for infection.

Restrictions are in place at Jim Grundy's farm on Slag Lane, Lowton. Mr Grundy said: "It has put us into difficulties. We are following all the regulations, disinfecting hay, our feet and vehicle wheels and hoping the worst never happens." Footpath and bridleway restrictions have been rapidly reintroduced by Wigan Council.