Tourism bosses fear the foot-and-mouth crisis could devastate the holiday trade in Mid Sussex.

Many outdoor visitor attractions are already closed and it could be weeks before they reopen.

Footpaths across farmland in the Weald have been closed and the South Downs Way national trail is out of bounds.

There are fears today that foreign visitors could decide to give the county a wide berth as they plan their summer holidays.

So far there have been no outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in Sussex, but farmers have been alarmed by reports of an incident of the disease in Kent.

Fred Cubbage, managing director of the South East Tourist Board, said tourism was vital for many parts of Sussex.

He said cancellations, especially in rural areas, were already being reported and the industry was bracing itself for a bad year.

Mr Cubbage said: "My concern is for the viability of those small hotels and B and Bs if this continues and for the visitor attractions."

Staff at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, which closed on March 6 because of the crisis, are already counting the cost.

It is thought more than 5,000 people would have flocked through the doors, costing the attraction up to £25,000 in visitor revenue.

A spokeswoman said: "Potentially a significant number of visitors have been lost.

"In line with a lot of people, we are run by what the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food say. We do not know when it will reopen."

Visitors to Borde Hill Garden, near Haywards Heath, are being asked to call before turning up as the crisis deepens.

The parkland and woods at the centre are closed and disinfectant mats have been put down.

The adventure playground and fishing lakes remain open to the public but the situation is being monitored.

A spokeswoman for the gardens, said: "Visitor numbers are down. This may be due to the foot and mouth outbreak but also the weather."

Borde Hill is still going ahead with a spring festival which runs from March 17 to 31.

Lewes District Council, which has already stopped the public going on to Seaford Head, has now closed the golf course as well.