A investigation is underway after an outbreak of botulism in East Devon which has killed up to 40 cows.

The outbreak, affecting three farms, was reportedly caused by the application of poultry manure containing chicken carcasses.

“There are strict controls covering the disposal of animal by-products and our role is to investigate the circumstances concerning any alleged non-compliance,” said a Trading Standards spokeswoman.

The Food Standards Agency said that there was no human health risk, but milk and meat from the affected farms had been withheld from the food chain as a precaution.