Independent News
The
foot-and-mouth crisis deepened today with confirmation of three more cases, including
a first outbreak in Cornwall.
The Cornish case was found in cattle at
an abattoir Botathan, South Petherwin, which is just south of Launceston.
The
virus has also been discovered at a farm in Canonbie in Dumfries and Galloway,
the Scottish Executive said.
It is the fourth incidence of the disease
in Scotland and the second in Canonbie.
And another case has been confirmed
at a farm in Durham.
The latest cases take to 43 the number in the UK.
The national outbreak means thousands of miles of footpaths and vast forests
are now sealed off, mountains barred to ramblers, race meetings cancelled and
great country houses locked shut.
Country hotels, sports centres, zoos
and Highland pubs prepared for empty tills after millions of people were told
to stay at home.
A survey of Britain has found that nearly all councils
in England and Wales have either closed their footpaths and bridleways or heavily
restricted access in farming areas.
The rash of postponed sporting events,
which began with cancellation of the Wales versus Ireland Six Nations rugby in
Cardiff today, spread to affect six major horse race meetings, the British rallying
championship, canoeing competitions and angling events. Officials in the Jockey
Club also fear the Cheltenham Festival from 13 to 15 March and the Martell Grand
National at Aintree next month could be scrapped if the virus continues to spread.
Nick Brown, the Minister of Agriculture, moved yesterday to reopen the
livestock trade to avert meat shortages and restore vital sources of income to
beleaguered farmers. Tightly controlled shipments of sheep, pigs and cattle to
abattoirs are likely to start on Monday.
But the Countryside Agency warned
that the foot-and-mouth outbreak might still cost rural businesses £2bn.
Mr
Brown said: "This is not a return to normal business. The volume will be less
than usual and strict conditions will have to be met. None the less, I hope this
move will mark the beginning of an orderly return to business for Britain's livestock
farmers and meat industry."
Tony Blair spoke of the "sense of devastation"
among people directly affected by the outbreak, and praised efforts to contain
the disease.
But he became embroiled in a dispute with supermarket chains,
as some stores indicated that meat prices would rise because of the crisis. Asda
accused the Prime Minister of trying to find a "scapegoat" after Mr Blair claimed
on Thursday that supermarkets had farmers in an "arm lock".
Jim Scudamore,
the chief veterinary officer, said proposals to ease the restrictions on animal
movements would not risk spreading the disease, but livestock markets might have
to be disinfected to eliminate lingering traces of the disease.
A more
serious threat comes from the illegal movement of animals. Colin Hebson, of Chapel
Farm, Cotehill, near Carlisle, will appear before the city's magistrates on Monday
for allegedly moving livestock after the ban was imposed. Three farmers from Herefordshire
also face prosecution. |
