A HERD of llama-like alpaca animals worth hundreds of thousands of pounds is to be slaughtered after they were found to have foot and mouth disease.
The 105 South American alpacas, members of the llama family, were discovered to be carrying the virus at Harwood Fold Farm, Showley Road, Clayton-le-Dale.
Around 60 sheep also carrying the disease are now also to be culled, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said.
A spokesman said it had not been established how the disease had spread to the farm. Signs warning walkers to keep away have now been put up.
Marge Adderley, who runs a bed and breakfast next door to the farm, said the road to the farm was closed at 3pm by Lancashire County Council officials.
Farmer Tom Ainsworth, who occupies Harwood Fold Farm, refused to comment on the outbreak.
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