Farming leaders in Britain have warned that the mass slaughter of animals could leave Britain's farms effectively dead. The British government earlier announced that all animals susceptible to foot and mouth are to be culled in 3km-wide zones in areas of high infection. It is not yet known how many animals could be affected, but the British Agriculture Minister, Nick Brown, said that it would be well over 100,000.
The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, indicated yesterday during Prime Minister's Questions at Westminster that an intensification of the slaughter was being considered. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 241.
Yesterday, Britain recorded its largest daily increase in cases of foot and mouth disease. Twenty-six new cases were confirmed, bringing the UK total yesterday to 231. The Environment Secretary in Britain, Michael Meacher, said that the outbreak was having a catastrophic effect on the country's rural businesses as well as on farming. Mr Meacher, who is chairman of the Special Task Force set up to deal with the outbreaks, said that he hoped to make an early announcement of financial help for rural businesses.
In another development, United Nations' farming experts have warned that foot and mouth disease could turn into a global epidemic. After Tuesday's first confirmed case in France, over 90 countries worldwide have followed the United States decision to ban all EU animal and meat imports. Argentina, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all reported outbreaks. The UN Food and Agriculture Commission has warned that no country is immune to the threat of infection.
