DARTMOOR Prison is taking 'maximum precautions' to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease on its moorland farm.
The farm, which has 1,000 sheep and 600 dairy cattle, produces fresh milk and lamb for local suppliers and other prisons.
Roger Brown, director of prison regimes, said: 'I am very conscious that foot and mouth disease is causing the local community a great deal of concern and distress.
'I can assure farmers and the general public that we are taking the maximum possible precautions.
'Our farm is off limits to most staff and disinfectant procedures are in place for all essential persons and vehicles that enter the farm complex.'
Mr Brown added that prisoners who are normally employed to work on the farm have been returned to the prison for the duration of the crisis.