THE first new foot and mouth outbreak in West Devon since May 1 has occurred at Broadwoodwidger, near Roadford Lake.
Animals at Pinnacle Farm were diagnosed with the disease on Sunday, May 13. 80 cattle and 80 sheep have been slaughtered. In a second case at South Molton near Exmoor, 80 cattle and 200 sheep were slaughtered. The total number of cases in Devon stands at 164.
As of May 14, 376,448 animals have been killed since the outbreak began, of those 376,237 have been disposed of, leaving 211 awaiting attention.
l MORE than 220 footpaths have been opened in the county — including 45 per cent of Devon's magnificent coastal path network — as part of the 'Green For Go' campaign. These are in addition to footpaths in urban areas that have remained open throughout the crisis.
Council officers met members of the NFU, MAFF, the National Parks and other major landowners yesterday to discuss proposals for a further phase of openings ahead of the Spring Bank holiday.
All re-opened paths are clearly marked at access points with a 'Green For Go' notice. All other paths are still closed.
l Devon Youth Games is to go ahead at Torbay Leisure Centre on Saturday, June 16 despite fears foot and mouth restrictions might have made that impossible.
West Devon trials for the event are currently taking place at Okehampton, Tavistock and Kelly Colleges.
The West Devon team is still looking for some individual sponsorship and would welcome local support. Contact 01822 813628.
l THE West Devon Help Centre in Hatherleigh which is providing information, advice and support for people affected by the foot and mouth crisis will continue to open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm for the foreseeable future.
The centre at Hatherleigh Methodist Chapel was originally open on three days a week but people are using the service more at the end of the week, said West Devon Borough Council spokeswoman Alison Stoneham.