Cattle at the affected farm in the UK have been slaughtered

The Department of Agriculture has put a complete ban on the import of animals, or any movement of animals on the island, as a precaution.

Farmers with recent imported livestock are being asked to stay vigilant, while members of the public are being asked not to walk in the countryside.

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show and a Douglas market have been cancelled.

If we can restrict all movements quite severely in the short term we might help ourselves in the long run Phil Gawne Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne said it was important they took the outbreak on a Surrey farm "extremely seriously".

"It may prove to be a draconian step," he admitted.

"However if we actually have foot-and-mouth on the island... this would be something that we would never forgive ourselves for if we hadn't taken the strongest possible steps at this early stage.

"If we can restrict all movements quite severely in the short term we might help ourselves in the long run."

Financial cost

The government's animal health team are due to meet to check all recent livestock importations to island.

They will then visit all farms to check their livestock for signs of the disease.

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show was due to take place next weekend but is the first major casualty of the UK outbreak.

Society president Frank Cain said the cancellation would leave organisers facing lots of work, but was a situation they "had to accept".