EU to ban British livestock exports

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He said: "There will be a ban on exports within the European Union. That is automatically imposed as a result of the finding of foot and mouth disease."

And Mr Miliband confirmed ministers were ready to order vaccination of livestock if that was the scientific advice to tackle foot-and-mouth.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Obviously, the vaccine would have to be developed, which takes a few days, but what is important is that we are guided by the science on this.

"So, yes, if that is necessary, that will obviously have to take place. But I think it is too early to say that. We have to wait for the scientific advice that will be coming forward today and in the coming days."

Mr Miliband said: "There are two priorities today. First of all to establish the epidemiological evidence, which will be coming through today. We have had an initial diagnosis, but there will be more information coming through.

"Secondly, to monitor the incidence of the disease and to make sure that that ban on movements of cattle, sheep and pigs is in place. The biggest lesson we learnt from 2001 is that the speed of that response is incredibly important to stop the spread of what is a very contagious disease.

"The pretty valid criticism last time was that Cobra didn't meet early enough so there wasn't the co-ordination that was required between the different agencies.

"That's why Cobra met last night with officials and myself, and also contact with the Prime Minister. That's why it is meeting this morning, so we do ensure the co-ordinated response."

Mr Miliband said that only cattle, sheep and pigs were subject to the ban on movements, and events like horse and dog shows or racing meets should be able to go ahead as planned.