Butchers have warned meat supplies could be affected if the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease becomes a full-blown epidemic.

Despite news today that the transportation of livestock for slaughter could resume under special licence, many butchers said they would have to "wait and see".

Martin Golsby, of Golsby Richard Family Butchers, in Eynsham, said: "It all depends on the numbers they allow to be transported and who they give the licences to.

"Hopefully, our local suppliers will be able to get licences, otherwise supplies might start to be affected."

More than 150 cattle have been slaughtered by vets since the outbreak was spotted and tonight it was confirmed that a third farm was being investigated for signs of the disease.