Deliveries halted at safari

Bob Lawrence, head warden at the West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley, disinfects his footwear to ensure there are no dangers of foot and mouth.

Animal parks in the West Midlands have introduced strict measures to protect themselves from the foot and mouth outbreak.

Staff at West Midland Safari Park have been ordered to disinfect all footwear and deliveries of food, hay and straw have been halted to prevent any danger of vehicles bringing the disease to the park.

Head warden Bob Lawrence said: "We are just making sure the animals are safe and staff have been advised to disinfect footwear.

"We would have been having deliveries of food, hay and straw but have cancelled these until the situation is clarified. We have at least a week's worth of food."

Farm animals have had to be sealed off at Sandwell Valley Park Farm. Staff have put up barriers to prevent children touching the animals.

They are hoping the attraction will not have to close down completely - and are awaiting instructions from owners Sandwell Council.

At Northycote Farm in Wolverhampton staff were taking no chances and visitors were asked to dip their feet in disinfectant before going to see the animals.

But there are no safety measures set up yet at Dudley Zoo.