AN independent report into how Foot and Mouth disease was dealt with in Cumbria was expected to make hard-hitting recommendations today.

Almost half the country's cases of Foot and Mouth occurred in Cumbria, where more than one million animals were burnt.

The disease damaged the Lake District's farming and tourist industries.

Today's report -- from a panel set up by the county council -- is expected to urge radical changes in the way any future epidemic is tackled.