27/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - Draconian measures have been taken in Northumberland (north east England) following confirmation of eight new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in four days, whereas this region had not seen any new cases in three months. It is in this county that, over six months ago, in February, the first outbreak of the disease had been recorded. In all, 1979 outbreaks have been recorded and over 4 million animals slaughtered as precautionary measures since the beginning o the outbreak. Worth noting, that another outbreak has also been confirmed in Cumbria (north west of England). "Farmers are extremely depressed, very nervous and have had enough", explained the head of the national trade union, Richard Ellison, whereas the slaughter resumed and all movement of animals has again been banned in contaminated areas.