THE NFU is stepping up its information campaign in an effort to limit the predicted rise in foot-and-mouth cases as cattle are turned out for the spring.

The government's chief scientific adviser, Prof David King, has warned that turning animals out in infected areas after a winter inside could result in a "blip" in the recovery from foot-and-mouth.

NFU deputy president, Mr Tim Bennett, said: "While this warning is not new, farmers will want to ensure they are doing all they can to limit any increase in cases and to protect their animals from risk of infection. We intend to do all we can to help."

A key concern is the risk posed by cattle moving outside and coming in to contact with potentially infected sheep.

The NFU will provide further precautionary farm management guidelines through its regional offices and on its members' web site NFUnet. It will also make advice from other organisations available.

Some regional NFU offices are also setting up helplines in an effort to get advice out to livestock farmers.

Advice for farmers turning out cattle includes:

l first consult your vet for specific advice and guidance;

l do not graze sheep and cattle together;

l ensure there is at least an empty field, a road, a wood, a river, between cattle and other animals where possible;

l do not graze pastures grazed by any animals since mid-February.

l check fences and hedges for breaks or holes;

l limit visits to animals;

l disinfect people and vehicles entering and leaving farms thoroughly.

If it is not possible to segregate cattle from sheep sufficiently, your vet may advise taking a blood test first to establish their disease status. Where the risks are high, consider the option of keeping cattle housed for longer. Advice on making the most of feed supplies is available from the NFU's regional offices.