Generations of rare livestock breeds could be wiped out in North Yorkshire because of the foot and mouth disease while the crisis is threatening to close farms which breed them.

There are estimated to be about 22 approved rare breed farms across the United Kingdom, all of which are subject to current restrictions.

The farms make most of their money from displaying their animals to visitors, but if the crisis continues the public will be turned away.

John Johnston, who owns Cruckley Animal Farm, in Foston-on-the-Wolds, near Driffield, said farmers like himself were living in fear of the disease.

"It is a terrible situation because we have some very rare breeds of pigs, sheep and cattle which face being killed and burned if they catch the disease," he said.

"That is not the only problem - we rely for our income mainly on visitors such as children and school parties who come to visit.

"We are due to reopen soon and if the crisis is still going on we will have to start turning people away, or else they won't come. We will lose money as a result."

Mr Johnston said he, like every other farmer across the UK, was taking every precaution by disinfecting roads and pathways and keeping his animals secure.

"Unfortunately, the disease can be carried by the wind and if that happens we'll probably have to destroy the whole stock.

"This will be horrific because it means generations of breeds will be wiped out."

Jane Hodgson, who looks after the livestock at Wyville Animal Farm, at Slingsby, near Malton, says she is fearful of the effects of the crisis.

The farm keeps a number of rare breeds of animals, including cows, sheep and deer - all of which would face being slaughtered if the disease was found at the farm.

"It is of great concern to us because we are in the same position as many other farmers - we are doing everything we can to prevent our livestock from becoming infected," she said.

"We rely on visitors for our income and these restrictions mean we are having to turn people away. We are just hoping that the restrictions are lifted soon."

The Hambleton Tourism Literature Exchange, due to take place tomorrow at Thirsk Racecourse, has been cancelled as a precaution against the potential spread of foot and mouth disease.

Updated: 12:06 Monday, March 05, 2001