WEST Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett has put a parliamentary question to Agriculture Minister Nick Brown, following 'persistent rumours' that foot and mouth disease is now affecting wildlife.

Mr Burnett said many farmers are seriously worried the disease has been found in wild deer in West Devon.

He said: 'I must have spoken to dozens of farmers over the weekend — the rumours are rife that it has got into the deer population.

'I am extremely anxious about this. I have put in a question asking whether the minister has any details on wildlife, particularly deer, contracting foot and mouth.'

Mr Burnett said it would be 'shattering' to the containment policy being used to combat spread of the disease if the rumours were found to be true.

'If it is, there would have to be a major rethink, a far more robust view taken. It's not just the agriculture industry, it's every other industry too that's bleeding to death — this can't go on much longer,' he said.

Mr Burnett was expecting an answer to his question by today (Thursday).

He is still waiting for a response from Michael Meacher, the Rural Task Force leader, to the package of measures put forward by him and a delegation of Devon council leaders last week, aimed at helping businesses struggling during the crisis.