Gwent farmers expressed concern over a possible outbreak of anthrax.

They were reacting to the discovery of anthrax on a farm in Rhondda Cyon Taff, where two cows were found dead.

The Farmers' Union of Wales said the precautions taken meant the spread of the disease was unlikely but some farmers are still worried about their livelihoods with the memory of foot and mouth still fresh in their minds.

William Jenkins, a farmer from Blackwood, said: "We hope it's an isolated incident but we're obviously very concerned about the prospects of an outbreak of anthrax.

"My farm is not that far away from the outbreak as the crow flies and the problem with being a primary producer is that the buck stops with you."

He added a main worry for many farmers was anything that might adversely affect farmers' incomes, with many of them still getting over the devastating effects of foot and mouth disease.

He said: "The last thing we want, after foot and mouth, is anything that affects our incomes. I would be seriously worried if there was another outbreak and it hadn't been contained."

But Abergavenny farmer Neil Smith added: "I think it's obviously a worry to farmers but I think as long as the correct regulations are in place the spread of anthrax should be halted. I have to say we were pleasantly surprised by the way the Welsh Assembly have worked on this."