Warwickshire's status as an 'at risk' area has today been changed to a Foot and Mouth 'free' area.

This means that under licence all species of livestock can now be moved, between farms, and to collection centres and to slaughter.

The new status also means that sheep, which are required to be blood tested before they can be moved in an 'at risk' area, can now be moved without a blood test.

Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards Service has been given new licensing duties by Government, and now issues, to Warwickshire farmers, licences for the movement of livestock. Occupational licences will still be issued by Local Veterinary Inspectors.

Noel Hunter, Director of Warwickshire Trading Standards Service said:

"This is very good news for Warwickshire and for our farming community, and suggests that the measures which have been taken to eradicate this terrible disease in Warwickshire are bearing fruit.

"The new licensing arrangements have meant a considerable increase in the number of animal movement licences we issue to Warwickshire farmers on a daily basis."

Warwickshire farmers wishing to apply for a licence to move their livestock are asked to phone Warwickshire Trading Standards Service on 01926 414040.

Coventry has also at the same time had its status changed to disease free.