A group of MEPs, studying the control of last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak, are spending the next two days in the West Country.

The 16-strong delegation will look at how the epidemic might have been better handled.

The group, from the European Parliament's foot-and-mouth committee, will be considering whether vaccination of animals against the disease is necessary.

They will meet farmers in Devon and Gloucestershire to listen to their accounts of the disease.

'First-hand experiences'

"The committee was set up to learn the lessons of the disease outbreak so it can be better managed or prevented in the future," said a spokesman.

"That's the main reason we're coming down to the South West, to listen to the people hardest hit by the crisis - the farmers, tourist venues - to get their first-hand experiences."

The group will visit Devon farmers in Okehampton and Knowstone, near Tiverton, on Friday.

They will meet British MPs and councillors from the Forest of Dean on Saturday.

Members of the committee have already visited farmers in the north of England and Scotland as well as taking evidence from farming experts during committee hearings.

The group will also be considering whether further controls on importing meat are required.

The committee is due to report its findings and recommendations to the European Parliament in November.