Total UK confirmed cases rose to 256 on Friday morning. Wednesday was the worst single day since the crisis began, with 26 new cases confirmed, including the first in Cheshire. First case of foot and mouth disease is confirmed in France. Tony Blair urged to delay plans for a General Election. First suspected cases in Italy.
Government sets up special taskforce to look at economic impact of disease.
Farmers protest as Plumpton race meeting goes ahead. Agriculture Minister Nick Brown claims outbreak is under control. Sunday sees the worse day so far with 25 new confirmed outbreaks bring total to 164. Irish Border 'effectively sealed'. All movement of livestock banned in Europe.