Hunting to resume in some areas

Hunting will be allowed to resume in parts of the country that have been free from foot-and-mouth since the start of the epidemic, the Government is expected to announce.

Ministers are known to have discussed a veterinary assessment on the risks of foot-and-mouth being spread by hunting. The report is understood to recommend the resumption of hunting in parts of the South and East that have consistently-been free of the disease. Areas which have not had the disease for several months may be allowed to resume hunting around Christmas.

Others, for example in Cumbria where the last foot-and-mouth case was three weeks ago, may not restart until the season is over next year. "There are so many different types of hunting and levels of risk that it is all very complex," said a spokeswoman for Defra.

The final say is likely to rest with the farmers, whom the hunts will consult before taking any action. "We will not restart until such time as the farming community is happy for hunting to resume whatever the legal position may be," said Peter Daresbury, chairman of the Council of Hunting Associations.