Oxfordshire County Council has been accused of passing the buck on foot and mouth restrictions.
Banbury MP Tony Baldry said decisions on reopening the countryside were being left to parish councils and individual farmers.
Oxfordshire County Council has sent green notices to landowners telling them they can open up footpaths outside the infected area, and in areas where there is no risk of the disease spreading.
But Mr Baldry said there was complete confusion over whether footpaths were usable or not - and he also called for restrictions to be relaxed.
He said: "It is a heavy responsibility for local people to take on. The county council should take the lead."
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