There are indications that the British government will delay its decision on whether to use vaccination until Monday, amid signs that culling may be slowing the spread of the disease. Government scientists say that a pre-emptive cull of healthy animals in Dumfries and Galloway may be helping to control the outbreak there. They also say that the target of 24 hours between diagnosis and slaughter is being increasingly met in many affected areas.
In another development, an organic farmer in Britain yesterday won permission to seek a High Court order stopping the policy of slaughtering healthy animals. It is the first legal action of its kind. A judge ruled that Peter Kindersley had an arguable case, which should be heard as a matter of extreme urgency. Mr Kindersley is arguing that the Ministry of Agriculture in Britain went too far and was unlawful under both European Community and British law. The total number of confirmed cases in Britain is 779.
