THE dreaded foot and mouth epidemic has spread to more villages surrounding Droitwich Spa.

The disease has been found at two farms in Tibberton.

At Evelench Farm, 322 cattle have been slaughtered and at Ravenshill Farm, 700 sheep and 19 cattle were killed.

Hill Top Farm, in Doverdale, has been deemed a "dangerous contact farm" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).

This means the farm has had some form of contact with a neighbouring infected premises.

A herd of 83 cattle is due to be slaughtered.

In March, the Advertiser revealed that 260 animals at Blindfield Farm, in Cutnall Green, would be slaughtered because of fears that stock had foot and mouth.

The disease was later confirmed at the New Road farm.

The foot and mouth crisis has also been a major blow for Danemere Pet Rescue, based in Tibberton.

The centre cares for unwanted animals from the Droitwich area.

Staff are currently looking after 28 dogs - Danemere usually has around six.

Funds are running low and staff are appealing to residents to adopt a pet or donate cash.

Call Danemere on (01905) 345655 for details.