Essex farmers have cautiously welcomed the easing of restrictions on moving livestock introduced because of foot and mouth disease.

From today farmers outside the surveillance zone in Surrey, where there have been two confirmed cases of the disease, are allowed to take their animals to slaughter and dispose of dead livestock.

Strict regulations will be imposed on movements.

Simon Brice, Essex county chairman of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said the restrictions had been causing problems for farmers.

"We welcome the ban being lifted, but nervousness will remain that it is premature and only time will tell if that is the case," he said.

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