Farmers across Sussex are calling for footpaths across their land to be closed, fearing ramblers could unwittingly spread foot and mouth disease.

Some believe footpaths across fields and through farms should be closed to help prevent the virus from reaching Sussex.

Mavis Clark, of Courthouse Farm, near Offham, has put disinfectant dips on paths and bridleways crossing her land and signs asking people to use them.

Mrs Clark has 20 Dexter cattle and prize-winning flocks of South Down and Polled Dorset sheep.

She said: "I think the county council or whoever is responsible for closing them down should take heed and make sure the small farmers have the protection we are entitled to.

"If people are going to walk they need to adhere to the precautions we are all taking."

Tom Carr, of Spring Barn Farm in Kingston Road, Lewes, said: "We are worried about walkers spreading the disease but cannot take any more precautions. Our land is covered in footpaths.

"However, I think the Government is doing all that it can in the situation. It is on the television every time you switch it on. It is a very serious problem which threatens to ruin the farming industry."

Patricia Thomas, 60, of Lower Tulleys Wells Farm, Beechwood Lane, Cooksbridge, said: "If foot and mouth spreads to Sussex the consequences would be frightful.

"We are so worried about walkers spreading the disease as we have so many public footpaths. We are just hoping the mud continues to keep the public away.

"We have also banned all visitors from other farms. We are just hoping everyone goes by the book."

A spokesman for the National Farmers Union (NFU) said there was a risk foot-and-mouth disease could spread to Sussex.

He said: "I am not convinced the public are paying attention to advice to stay out of the countryside.

"Although there is no risk that people can catch the disease, they can spread it. At the weekend I saw two sets of walkers out close to a field of cattle.

"The vast majority of people are probably paying attention to the advice, but there is always a minority that will stick their two fingers up. They are putting the livelihood of farmers at risk."

Pigs, cows, sheep, goats and deer are all equally susceptible to the disease.

Two attractions at Drusillas Zoo Park at Alfriston, near Polegate, have been closed to the public.

The spokesman said: "For once the media is not over-exaggerating the seriousness of this issue. The disease spreads so easily and the situation cannot be under-estimated."

East Sussex County Council said it had been inundated with calls from farmers worried about people using paths crossing their land.

The council says it has no power to close public footpaths or bridleways unless the Ministry of Agriculture orders them shut.

Only footpaths in controlled zones near foot-and-mouth outbreaks are being closed. The agriculture ministry could, however, shut paths on a county by county basis or order the entire national rights of way network closed.

The Ramblers' Association has advised people to stay away from farmland and many Sussex groups have cancelled planned walks.