People must keep up their disinfection procedures when using rural rights of way

Barry Thomas, Powys County Council

Whilst the area has been disease free for two months, 20% of the walks across the Brecon Beacons in Powys will remain closed.

They include paths around the Pen-y-fan and Libanus mountains centre.

However, it is hoped Pen-y-fan, which is one of the most popular and important peaks in the UK for walkers, could be reopened as early as next month.

Meanwhile, Powys County Council has urged walkers and farmers to abide by the restrictions still in place and to ensure that precautionary measures are followed.

Crisis in Wales

Total confirmed cases UK-wide 2,030 - with 118 in Wales Powys - 78 cases Anglesey - 13 cases Monmouthshire - 21 cases Caerphilly - 2 Rhondda Cynon Taff - 1 Neath Port Talbot -1 Newport - 3

Chairman of the council's rights of way committee Barry Thomas said: "I must stress to walkers and farmers alike the continuing need for vigilance when it comes to bio-security measures.

"People must keep up their disinfection procedures when using rural rights of way."

Earlier in the year, paths in the area were reopened to tourists only to be shut a week later when another case of foot-and-mouth was confirmed nearby.

Pen-y-fan will remain closed

The paths are to remain closed are those within 3 km protection zones and under restrictions from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The new scheme will establish coloured zones, so members of the public can see where they are allowed to walk.

The Powys council is to put details of the zones on its website.

Risk status

Green will mean all paths are open, amber zones have a possibility of some closures and all paths in red zones will be closed.

This latest development follows a row in September after the whole of Powys was given a high-risk rating for foot-and-mouth.

Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Carwyn Jones met with his UK counterpart Margaret Beckett to persuade her to change the county's status.

Following the meeting, parts of Powys were then downgraded to "at risk".

The re-categorisation resulted in a relaxation of the restrictions on the movement of cattle and pigs.