Foot and mouth hampers Muslim festival

The Halal Food Authority says that Muslim celebrations are being hampered due to animal shortages caused by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

During the festival of Eid el Kabir which begins today and continues tomorrow, Muslims perform the ritual slaughter of sheep or cows.

But restrictions on the movement of animals and the recent culls have led to a shortage in the number available in Britain for the festival.

President of the Halal Food Authority Masood Khawaja said: "Because of foot and mouth there has not been many animals to slaughter.

"It has definitely hampered the festival. It's a horrendous and tragic disease."

Mr Khawaja is urging the Muslim community to stay away from slaughterhouses for fear of spreading the disease further around the country.

He advises them to carry out annual sacrifices - or Qurbani - outside the country this year, letting others perform the ritual on their behalf.

He added: "People should contact Muslim charities like Bait al Mal al Islami who have made such arrangements in a number of countries."