51AVÊÓÆµ

UK foot-and-mouth disease - 25 years on: "It was a cruel and catastrophic loss still felt a generation on"

Farming communities demonstrated strength and resilience to overcome the foot-and-mouth crisis and its aftermath. But have lessons been learnt 25 years on?

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
"We need to speak prophetically to Government and policy makers about the real concern of a repeat epidemic. After 25 years and numerous reports and ongoing research, we are still as vulnerable and susceptible today as a generation ago. Every successive Government has failed to put in place the safeguards needed."
Image:

"We need to speak prophetically to Government and policy makers about the real concern of a repeat epidemic. After 25 years and numerous reports and ongoing research, we are still as vulnerable and susceptible today as a generation ago. Every successive Government has failed to put in place the safeguards needed."

Memories of the 2001 UK foot-and-mouth crisis still lingers clearly in farmers' minds 25 years on. The pain and trauma of the events that unfolded left an imprint on the British countryside which will...

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

Welsh farmers set out their asks ahead Senedd elections

Welsh farmers set out their asks ahead Senedd elections

Video case studies enable industry members to shine a light on what farming in Wales really needs

clock 08 April 2026 • 2 min read
Inheritance Tax changes will lead to 'multiple sadness' for families, warns campaigning farmer

Inheritance Tax changes will lead to 'multiple sadness' for families, warns campaigning farmer

LibDem MP vows to fight on and says global events should be a wake-up call for Gov as to the importance of producers

clock 06 April 2026 • 3 min read
Family farm tax: key changes being introduced today

Family farm tax: key changes being introduced today

Expert warns early succession planning will be key to negotiate Chancellor's changes to Inheritance Tax rules

clock 06 April 2026 • 3 min read