FOOT and mouth has hit the Fylde farming community with 300 cattle being slaughtered today (Thursday) to try and stem the ever-increasing spread of the devastating animal disease.

Derby Lodge Farm, Roseacre, near Kirkham, has been tagged a "dangerous contact" by MAFF officials due to its proximity to Goose Green Farm, Forton, whose animals were slaughtered on April 4 because of foot and mouth infection.

A MAFF spokesperson said: "It's a pre-emptive cull at Derby Lodge in accordance with the 8km firebreak regulations and there are no other cases in the Fylde area at present."

Army Capt Bill Haworth of Kimberley Barracks, Preston, who is co-ordinating today's slaughter, said: "There are 300 cattle which are scheduled for slaughter as things stand and we are currently awaiting MAFF instructions as to what will happen to them afterwards in terms of burying, burning or rendering. The army is not actually doing the killing -- there are contract slaughtermen brought in for that -- but we are co-ordinating the proceedings as and where necessary."

And Kirkham pig farmer John Hough, whose premises are just miles from Derby Lodge Farm, said: "We are very worried now as this is very close to us and we thought we were safe in the Fylde with the restrictions being lifted.

"In fact we are just trying to sell some young pigs at the moment thanks to a special licence for long distance movement.

"But we are now very nervous that any day we could be included in the cull -- and if we have to slaughter all our animals it will be an extremely bleak prospect for us." Also this week North West Euro MP Chris Davies has warned Lancashire's countryside will be closed to walkers until Christmas unless a policy of vaccination is introduced urgently to deal with the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"If the Government refuses to vaccinate then our countryside will be closed throughout the summer," he said. "In fact, senior officials cannot suggest a date when it will be opened. It may not be until be Christmas or even into next year.

"If vaccination is carried out I am told that our hills and countryside could be open in a couple of weeks," said Mr Davies after holding talks with senior officials of the Lake District and Peak District national parks.

"Vaccination should be made a priority. Agricultural export markets worth £1 billion each year will be lost, but these will be lost anyway because no-one will now buy British meat."

Many Lancashire attractions have extended their opening times to cope with additional tourist demand during the foot and mouth outbreak.

DEADLY: The warning signs go up at Derby Lodge Farm