CONCERNED farmers are demanding answers after they found a hoard of foot-and-mouth waste bags dumped by a roadside.
The discovery was made after Defra officials culled animals in three farms in Northumberland.
The waste bags, believed to contain protective suits contaminated with the disease, were found lying by the roadside next to a confirmed outbreak at Renny's Barn in Hexhamshire.
It comes after Monday's revelations that secret Defra documents showed officials were concerned workers were ignoring vital bio-security measures.
The waste bags were spotted by Margaret Dodwell, from nearby Longlea Farm.
The bags were abandoned on September 21 and only collected by officials four days later, when Defra was contacted.
Mrs Dodwell said: "How can security be so lax when we are in the middle of a crisis like this? Anyone could have come along and taken the bags."
A Defra spokesman said officials were aware of the claims and added: "We will investigate this. The staff are instructed to double-bag clinical waste and remove it to the Newcastle Disease Emergency Control Centre for disposal."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article