A FARMER in Edgworth says he has been given the all-clear after being investigated for possible Foot and Mouth Disease.

Phil Davies, owner of Quarlton Manor Farm, was visited by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food after pigs at an affected abattoir in Essex were traced back to him.

Mr Davies said: "Some of the pigs I sold were found at the Cheale Farm Abattoir and as a matter of course I was visited by MAFF."

An interim order banning any animals coming in and out of the site was placed on the Plantation Road farm while tests were carried out.

As a result, Mr Davies had to close the hotel at the site for three days.

He said: "I was more than happy to have the farm investigated. The officials from MAFF were very quick and they should be applauded.

"I did lose out on some business, but in the grand scheme of things what I lost is small beer compared to what other people are doing.

"After the MAFF officials had gone, I had my vet come to the farm and do some tests, when the results of these were negative I re-opened the farm and hotel."

As a precautionary measure, Mr Davies has put a carpet of disinfected hay in front of the driveway and has a sign on the gate to his field reading 'Foot and Mouth Disease -- Keep Out.'

Mr Davies says he is the only farmer in Edgworth to have been visited. A farm in Darwen which also had pigs at the Essex abattoir was also visited, but does not appear to have had a case.

Other farms along Plantation Road have been laying hay outside their doors.

Mr Davies said: "This crisis could cripple us, I know of other farmers who are struggling already.

"There are so many other jobs on the line. Abattoir workers and butchers all depend on meat. But I think it is likely to get worse before it gets better."