A licence scheme has been launched to help non-infected farms near confirmed outbreaks move livestock.
The licence will be administered in the region by officials at the Animal Health Divisional Office, Newcastle.
Welcoming the move, NFU North-East policy advisor Jonathan Birnie said yesterday: "It is a good thing, provided that the risk is kept as minimal as possible, and the vets are satisfied.
"We definitely need to have grazing access for animals."
A request for a licence would see a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food vet visit the farm to assess the situation.
Farmers wanting to take advantage of the scheme should contact 0191-214 5011.
There will soon be a mail shot of application forms, which should be completed and faxed back to 0191-271 3369.
Read more about Foot-and-Mouth here.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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