DEFRA say there has been delay in launching the new autumn regulations because of the work involved in setting up the computer link needed by the staff at local authority's animal health and welfare offices through which stock movement licences will be issued in the future.

The Hereford office has taken on extra staff to deal with the expected increase in the movements of animals as veterinary surgeons are now only able to licence stock in certain instances, such as for frequent road crossings.

A spokeswoman at DEFRA said there has been delay in the receipt of some letters to farmers about autumn movement regulations.

Anyone with queries should contact the helpline on 01905 763355.

Powys County Council says there is no justification for the whole of the county to be considered a high-risk area.

A delegation met DEFRA minister, Lord Whitty, and called for the classification to be reduced.

The highest classification should only be imposed on those parts of the county still covered by infected area status, said the delegation.

The Country Land and Business Association said the decision to declare the whole of Powys a high-risk area threatened to trigger a massive animal welfare crisis in the county.