March 1, 2001 9:48: THE Bucks countryside was virtually closed this week as the effects of the foot and mouth crisis spread well beyond the boundaries and individual farms and parks.

Fears about the virus spreading is causing chaos not just for farmers but for parks with visitor attractions, animal charities, ramblers, butchers and horse riders.

Farms and the countryside remain off limits, with the Ramblers Association cancelling all their country walks and only essential visitors being allowed to go to and from open countryside.

Odds Farm Park in Wooburn Common has been closed as a precaution and will have to stay shut for a further 17 days, after the extension of the national ban on livestock movement. Owner Steve Vinden said he just hoped they could re-open as soon as possible.

He said: "We have had to stop everything. Only essential vehicles like those delivering animal feed are allowed in but they are disinfected when they come in and go out.

"We are trying to remain positive about the whole thing and are hoping and praying that it doesn't effect us."

South Bucks RSPCA has implemented emergency procedures throughout its animal homes and among staff and volunteers in the light of the spreading virus.

Martyn Hubbard, RSPCA superintendent for the East Central region, said: "We are liaising closely with MAFF to prevent any unwitting spread of the disease, and to safeguard the animals in our care."

Our Star newspaper vet Alex Gough said this is a trying time for farmers and added: "There will be some who had problems anyway, but this could be the straw that breaks the camel's back."

However the butcher business is booming despite Agriculture Minister Nick Brown warning people not to panic buy and to remain calm. Safeways, in Temple End, High Wycombe, was virtually out of meat by the start of the week.

Traditional high street butchers are also affected.

Graham Hall, of Halls of Hazlemere, in Park Parade Centre, Hazlemere, said: "We have been busy all year but this is like a mini Christmas. People love meat and they cannot live without it."

He added: "I've got about enough meat to last for another two weeks and then if I cannot get any more I will import it."

Kelly Clayton