51AVÊÓÆµ

2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "For some, the battle was too much"

Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn reflects on the outbreak 25 years ago, the heartbreaking conversations he had with farmers, the devastating open-air pyres of livestock being culled to stop the disease from spreading, and the determination of farmers to never let things become so bad again

clock • 3 min read
TFA chief executive George Dunn said: "I remember reading the note left behind by one young livestock farmer who simply said she could not live with what her livestock had had to go through. For those who had to watch their precious livestock being culled and burned on their farms, either because their animals had contracted disease or had become dangerous contacts with another diseased premises, the pain was deep and acute."
Image:

TFA chief executive George Dunn said: "I remember reading the note left behind by one young livestock farmer who simply said she could not live with what her livestock had had to go through. For those who had to watch their precious livestock being culled and burned on their farms, either because their animals had contracted disease or had become dangerous contacts with another diseased premises, the pain was deep and acute."

February 21 2001 is etched firmly in my consciousness as a dreadful day and the start of a dreadful 11 months. Reg Haydon, the TFA's national chair at the time, and I had just stepped out of English...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Dairy sheep open up new opportunities for Dartmoor farm

Dairy sheep open up new opportunities for Dartmoor farm

A think outside the box mindset and passion for farming has been the driving force for Jess Dagnall in establishing Dartmoor’s first sheep dairy

Athwenna Irons
clock 30 July 2026 • 7 min read
Vinnie Jones says harvest is his favourite time of year

Vinnie Jones says harvest is his favourite time of year

The actor, former footballer and farming champion showcases rural life through his show Vinnie Jones in the Country

Mia Willemsen
clock 28 July 2026 • 3 min read
Rise in farming families obtaining protection insurance in case of injury

Rise in farming families obtaining protection insurance in case of injury

Following recent stark reminders of how dangerous the farming profession can be, more farmers have begun protecting themselves and their families through insurance

Mia Willemsen
clock 28 July 2026 • 3 min read