The warning was given by the National Association of Farms for Schools (NAFS) following last week's outbreak of the highly contagious disease on farms in England. However, it stressed that while the foot and mouth virus is not harmful to children or adults, it can be transmitted easily by humans.
An NAFS spokeswoman said, 'A lot of farms have now shut and a ban on livestock moving has just been announced, so it is highly unlikely that farms will accept school and nursery visits. It is foolish for people to go on farms at the moment because anybody moving around in the countryside has the potential to move the disease.
'Foot and mouth disease does not affect human health, but humans can transmit the disease on vehicle wheels or shoes, so it is not worth the risk for farms.'
The Ministry of Agriculture also warned the public to keep away from farm animals and to visit farms only when it is essential. The Ministry also said that people must travel only on main roads wherever possible and respect warning signs regarding the disease.
Agriculture minister Nick Brown said, 'I would like to appeal to the public, particularly in the infected areas, to minimise the risks of spreading the disease. For the public this involves reducing contact with livestock and farms, and for farmers it means operating the highest standards of hygiene.
'I hope very much that this will apply for the shortest period of time and that the outbreak can be contained.'