The Ministry of Agriculture has declared Keighley and the rest of the Bradford district an infected area following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth.

The ministry's decision means farm animals can no longer be moved within or out of the area. Slurry spreading has also been banned.

The ruling does not, however, prevent farm animals being moved into the area for slaughter -- so long as they come from a non-infected area. It also means animals can be moved through the district on a motorway, trunk road or by rail.

The decision by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) follows a ban on the movement of animals within the district, imposed by Bradford council last week after a foot-and- mouth outbreak was confirmed at Bobby Green Farm, Queensbury.

This means abattoirs at Thornton and Shelf will remain closed, but the decision does not affect Ilkley, which is still operating by slaughtering animals from non-infected areas outside the Bradford district.

Moorland, bridleways and footpaths including those leading to Top Withens and Bront Waterfalls have been closed to walkers and riders as the council tries to halt the spread of the disease.

Richard Wixey, the council's director of environmental protection, says: "The Ministry of Agriculture's decision means everyone needs to play their part in helping to contain the spread of disease.

"We would actively encourage people to report anyone they see tearing down signs banning the use of public rights of way. People are asked to gather as much information as possible and pass on the details to the council's animal health inspector on 01274 754629."

Council leader Cllr Margaret Eaton says: "We are appealing to the wider community to help by obeying signs about closed rights of way and not walking their dogs across public footpaths where walking is banned."

The council is encouraging farmers and landowners to put up their own signs banning people from using public rights of way.

Signs are available from Keighley Town Hall and Haworth Tourist Information Centre.

Anyone requiring further information can contact the council helpline on 01274 751002 and the MAFF helpline on 08450 050414.