AGRICULTURE chiefs have banned the movement of livestock from parts of Aireborough and Wharfedale - but have been slow to tell farmers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food placed much of the Bradford District, plus Hawksworth, Menston, Burley and parts of Yeadon, Guiseley and Apperley Bridge in an 'infected' area - where farmers will not be granted licences to move their animals.

Bradford Council and Leeds City Council both announced the extended restrictions on Monday, but some farmers yesterday, had not been told if their land fell within the restricted area.

The 'infected' area - which does not necessarily contain infected animals - falls to the west of the A65 up to the junction with the A658, according to MAFF's website.

The restricted area is to act as a buffer zone around the foot and mouth-infected farm at Queensbury, Bradford.

Leeds City Council said it would send letters to the 83 farms within the Leeds area which fell into the 'infected' area.

Vet Martin Barratt, of Cross Green Veterinary Surgery, Otley, said farmers applying to move livestock for slaughter had been unaware of the new restrictions.

He said: "We have had one or two people who have wanted to move livestock, and have only found out when they went for a licence that it was designated an infected area."

Mr Barratt said farmers may discover in the next week if the restrictions have succeeded in containing the foot and mouth outbreak at Queensbury. The incubation period for foot and mouth is usually 14 days.

Licences for the movement of livestock from outside the infected area will still be granted.

A spokesman for MAFF said it did not individually inform farmers, except those close to farms where the virus had broken out, but farmers with queries on restrictions could call MAFF's helpline on (0845) 0504141.

MAFF also displays restrictions and maps of 'infected' areas on its website, at www.maff.gov.uk.

l