Forty cases of foot-and-mouth have now been confirmed across Britain as the government finalised plans for a relaxation of last week's livestock movement ban.
Ministry of Agriculture officials said the new cases were on a sheep and pig farm at Great Warley in Essex, a cattle farm at Bramshall, Staffordshire and a cattle and sheep farm at Longtown in Cumbria.
Agriculture minister Mr Nick Brown has unveiled a scheme to get pig, sheep and cattle moving again. From this weekend, farmers and abattoir owners in disease-free areas will be allowed to apply for special licences to transport live animals.
The overall nationwide ban is to continue. The news comes after it emerged that four farmers are to face court action relating to regulations on the movement of livestock.
One farmer from Cumbria and three from Herefordshire face prosecution, it has been disclosed. Under the legislation, anyone convicted of an offence faces a fine of up to £5,000.
Herefordshire Council said it was taking court action against three men under the 1981 Animal Health Act and would appear at Hereford Magistrates Court on the same day.
The government's order will contain provisions for special sheep and cattle holding centres to be set up before they go on to slaughter houses, while farmers could be banned from travelling with their animals.
"This is not a return to normal business," said Mr Brown, "the volume will be less than usual and strict conditions will have to be met. Nonetheless, I hope this move will mark the beginning of an orderly return to business for Britain's livestock farmers and meat industry."