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Worried bosses at the Crumpsall park have closed the farm, which includes stocks of sheep, cattle, horses and pigs, for fear visitors could carry the disease with them and infect the animals.

The farm is a major attraction at the historic park and keepers are concerned that the infection could be unwittingly carried on people's shoes and clothing.

Although the virus does not harm humans or domestic pets, it causes illness in livestock creating blisters on the mouth and feet. Experts say it is seldom fatal but can leave animals lame and cause them to loose weight because they are unable to eat.

Cases have so far been found across the UK but none have emerged in Greater Manchester, although transporting animals has been banned everywhere as a precaution.

Country parks have been closed but, like Heaton Park, most urban parks are remaining open with restricted access to areas housing animals.

Local authorities have been granted emergency powers to close public footpaths in rural areas to discourage people from visiting the countryside and potentially spreading the virus.