Foot And Mouth- Change The Record
With new cases of foot and mouth disease emerging daily, it seems initial optimism
about the scale of the epidemic was misplaced. Plans for a maximum slaughter
program will only compound the present crisis, especially if the often week-long
delays between diagnosis and disposal of carcasses are not addressed. The distinct
lack of effective isolation measures in areas free from infection is also worrying.
A programme of vaccination has, up until now, been opposed amid fears of lost
UK export markets. As European export routes are now closed, such opposition
can no longer be justified. Furthermore, the exact strain of the virus behind
the recent outbreak has been identified, enabling presently healthy animals which
are potentially at risk to be vaccinated. Given the scale of the threat of further
outbreaks to not just animals but the entire rural community and economy, the
Government must employ this additional aid to eradicate the epidemic.
Preventing future epidemics will require a wider perspective that accounts for
the root causes: global trade and unsustainable farming practices. No less than
a complete shift to sustainable local agriculture with restrictions on the transport
of food and livestock is called for. The dispersal of markets and abattoirs away
from farms must be reversed, changing the relationship of consumer to producer
from one of remoteness to one of direct access, if our beleaguered farming industry
is to survive. Meanwhile, it is essential to have a full, open Public Enquiry
into the foot and mouth epidemic.
Pat Knowles
Take Action:
Write to Tony Blair and DEFRA requesting commitment to a public enquiry.
Visit www.greenparty.org.uk; www.foe.co.uk for more information and/or
petitions