Cleared, but still feared
Oxford is no longer classed a Foot and Mouth infected area. However Anthony Roberts, of the Countryside Service, remained cautious, commenting that "Oxford is only as free of Foot and Mouth as anywhere in England". The contagious disease could hit the county again at any time, he warned.
So far there have been just two recorded cases of the disease in the county: one in Bicester and the other in South Hinksley, reported in early March.
However not everything has returned to normal. Access to some parks containing livestock remains restricted. Magdalen Deer Park is still closed, although Christ Church Meadow is open.
3rd May 2001