FOOT-AND-MOUTH tightened its hold on North Yorkshire yesterday with two more confirmed outbreaks in the Dales - taking the county's total to 13.

The disease was confirmed on farms at Leyburn and Aysgarth and checks are now taking place on all neighbouring farms.

At South Dyke Farm, at Garriston Road, Leyburn, 108 sheep and 67 cattle were destroyed and are to be burnt on the site.

At Throstle Nest farm, Aysgarth, 401 sheep and 64 cattle were due to be slaughtered last night, with a decision on their disposal still to be made.

It was also confirmed yesterday that pits were being excavated near Catterick Garrison for the disposal of the uninfected carcasses.

A mobile "air curtain" incinerator will be used to destroy animals there, with the first scheduled for early this evening.

The site is on Ministry of Defence land on Hipswell Moor, near Meggido Lines and Cambrai Barracks.

Local county councillor Carl Les said: "I think residents would agree that these things have to be done to help us deal quickly with this crisis - but might not be too happy about having this in their backyard."

However, a spokesman for Maff insisted that only uninfected animals - those culled on farms adjacent to infection sites - would be destroyed there.

Meanwhile, fears that blood from infected carcasses near Askrigg had managed to seep into the river Ure have been played down by Maff officials.

They confirmed yesterday that blood had been seen coming from the carcasses but insisted: "It was treated with sawdust. If any reached the river it was in minimal quantities."

Meanwhile, 400 sheep which act as unofficial extras in the TV drama Heartbeat have been banned from the village of Goathland because of the crisis.

The parish council for the village, which doubles as fictional Aidensfield, has moved the sheep on to the moors and put up a fence to keep them away from tourists and the village.

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