SHEEP will no longer be able to be moved out of Devon under new restrictions imposed this week.
A spokesman for DEFRA in London said farmers in 'at risk' areas in the country could move sheep to other 'at risk' areas — with the exception of Devon.
'There will need to be extra testing in Devon, the nature of which needs to be decided. Once the tests are done a further decision will be taken as to what status Devon will be,' said the spokesman.
It is hoped testing will be completed by the end of September.
Sheep movement within Devon will continue, provided the animals are from a blood-tested flock and have a veterinary inspection. Existing rules for slaughter and welfare movements within the county continue to apply.
Secretary of State Margaret Beckett said the over-riding priority was to stamp out foot and mouth disease.
She said: 'We cannot risk the disease flaring up and emerging in new areas or reappearing in old ones.'
The movement regulation regime had been drawn up 'on the basis of scientific and veterinary advice in close consultation with farming unions'.
Ian Johnson from the Devon NFU said the restrictions on movement within the county would effectively mean virtually all movement would be halted.
'The restrictions are draconian, but reluctantly I think most people will understand. However, there could be huge welfare problems as a result and the cure could be worse than the disease.'
Simon Whattler, secretary of Okehampton and Hatherleigh branch of the NFU, said it would once again hit the farmers who had been hardest hit — those still with stock.
'But we have to play ball with the ministry and hopefully at the end the county will be given "free" status and we will be able to move stock unhindered,' he said.
Regarding movement, Mr Whattler said his advice to farmers would be to apply in the normal manner, as vets appeared to be interpreting the rules in their own manner.
The ban on movement out of Devon took effect on Tuesday, but will not apply to cattle — which can still be moved to other 'at risk' areas under licence and with inspection.