The British government has announced an easing of restrictions on the movement of livestock.
This means that farmers outside the Surrey protection zone can bring cattle to slaughterhouses and remove dead animals from their farms, but only under strict conditions and supervision.
The President of the National Farmers' Union in Britain, Peter Kendall, said the lifting of the movement ban was a first step on getting the industry back to normal but urged farmers to remain vigilant.
Last night, a further cull of cattle took place as government vets battled to control the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
A fourth herd was culled amid suspicion of infection.
Meanwhile, EU veterinary officers have said that Britain, which excludes Northern Ireland, should remain a high-risk zone.
Meat from Northern Ireland to Europe will be allowed to transit through Britain, as much of it normally does, provided the necessary precautionary measures were adhered to.
Laboratory dismisses Legionnaire's link
Tonight the British government's Animal Research laboratory at Pirbright said the reports of a link to Legionnaire's Disease were a 'regrettable distraction' from the foot-and-mouth crisis.
A spokesman said insignificant levels of Legionella were found at the facility.
Health officials in southern England are investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease.
Environmental health inspectors are reported to have taken water samples from the institute after it was discovered a worker contracted the disease.
The Pirbright laboratories, situated near the recent cases of foot and mouth disease, are suspected of being the source of the recent outbreaks.
