Brazilian beef efforts carry FMD risk to Irish agriculture

UNDERSTANDABLY, there is a shiver running through the spine of every farmer in this country when an outbreak of the dreaded Foot and Mouth Disease is confirmed in Britain.

They know too well the hardship which it creates for their colleagues across the Irish Sea and stand terrified that the same could happen in Ireland with devastating consequences for the entire economy.

Southern Ireland was very fortunate to confine the disease to one outbreak in Co Louth in 2001. But the outbreaks in Surrey are a reminder farmers throughout Europe must remain constantly vigilant to guard against any risk of outbreak.