Wales' Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christianne Glossop has appealed to livestock keepers to check all susceptible animals regularly for symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Dr. Glossop said: "It is vital that all animals which are susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease are checked twice a day for any unusual behaviour or physical changes.

"Watch out for any changes in ordinary patterns of behaviour, including changes in appetite, lameness, drooling, animals isolating themselves from the herd, or reduction in milk yield.

"If you have any concerns or suspicions, raise them with your vet or your local animal health divisional office."

 DEFRA today reported that the latest animals confirmed as positive for disease had been infected for some time and would have been displaying symptoms. Postmortem examination revealed Foot and Mouth Disease lesions, some more than 10 days old. This highlights the importance of increased checks on all animals.

Dr. Glossop said: "We have received several reports of suspicious symptoms in Wales, all of which to date have been cleared. This is a positive sign that people are checking their animals and erring on the side of caution by alerting vets to any unusual behaviour or symptoms.

"Minister Elin Jones yesterday stressed that recent results of the tracing exercise prove that Wales is vulnerable and impresses on us the need for utter vigilance, so I hope this cautious approach among livestock keepers in Wales will continue.

"It is also essential that all livestock keepers maintain highest levels of biosecurity, avoid any unnecessary contact with other livestock, and observe all movement restrictions that are in place. "Our top priority is that Wales remains disease free. We have a shared responsibility. By following these simple steps, animal keepers will be playing a key role."

Under the animal health act every animal keeper is required to report any suspicions of a notifiable disease to animal health. Contact details are below: • Carmarthen (Unitary Authorities of Cardinganshire, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire), Animal Health Divisional Office, Ty Merlin,  Heol Glasdwr, Parc Pensarn,  Carmarthen, SA31 2NJ.  Tel: 01267 245400; night line: 07000 780144; fax: 01267 245500; email: [email protected]">[email protected]