Devastating, indeed, is one of the words most frequently used by those recalling the epidemic of foot and mouth disease that began 25 years ago this month. The figures of the foot and mouth cull are almost too big to comprehend. Last year, there were outbreaks of foot and mouth in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. What is indisputable, however, is that the danger posed by foot and mouth remains high, as it does of other contagious infections such as African swine flu. Fields will soon be filling with lambs, cattle and pigs, making it look - and sound - like business as usual.

Source: The Herald March 01, 2026 18:37 UTC