Schools confused by conflicting advice over disease precautions

Schools are being given conflicting advice on how to respond to the foot and mouth crisis in different parts of Britain. In Dumfries and Galloway, where 115 cases have been identified - nearly a seventh of the total number of cases across the country - schools within a 16-kilometre radius of confirmed outbreaks have been given disinfectant mats. However, Department for Education and Employment guidance for schools in England published last week warns against the use of such mats for health and safety reasons.