PROTECTION zones around foot-and-mouth infected farms in east Worcestershire could be lifted following a reduction in new cases.

The Ministry of Agriculture said today five of the 3km zones looked likely to be the first cluster of premises in the county where restrictions would be lifted.

The restrictions could be lifted within a month.

This would mean any livestock in the area could then be slaughtered for human consumption.

Other movement restrictions could also be lifted but farmers will still need a licence to move livestock.

The clusters are around Astwood Bank, near Redditch, Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, and Bishampton and Besford, both near Pershore.

There have been five infected farms in those areas, the first case was confirmed on Friday, March 2, and the last was on Tuesday, March 21.

"We're extremely pleased the incidence of new cases has slowed significantly and we have been able to consider starting work to lift restrictions in this area of the county," said Anita Williams, divisional veterinary manager at MAFF in Worcester.

"However, there's still much to be done by our staff before this can finally be achieved."

More than 20 farms across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire have already been signed off as clean by the regional MAFF office.

This means that livestock can be re-introduced to farms which were once infected with foot-and-mouth.

Final inspections of farms in the 3km zones in east Worcestershire are due to be carried out by MAFF vets.

Blood samples will be taken from sheep and goats, if these prove negative then restrictions can be lifted.

Movement and medicine records will also be inspected.

Farms where there is no livestock will also be visited to check that records are correct.

But farmers say they want to know when the restrictions will be lifted.

"It's good news, but I wasn't expecting this until the end of the month," said Richard Jordan, chairman of Worcestershire NFU.

"There's probably no good reason why they couldn't lift the restrictions straight away.

"They've been flapping for so long, other parts of the country have got things sorted.

"It's crucial to get the blood testing done, but that will take at least a fortnight."