Foot and Mouth Disease in England May Be Under Control (1/2)

Farmers in England have been worried about foot-and-mouth disease among their cows. The viral sickness is one of the world's most destructive diseases of livestock. Foot-and-mouth disease does not usually kill animals. But it sickens them and severely reduces production of meat and milk, resulting in economic disaster.

The current cases of the disease first struck cattle in southern England. At the end of July, a farmer in Surrey noted that 2 of his cows were sick. He reported the news to government health officials. They passed it on to the World Organization for Animal Health.

Agricultural scientists confirmed the first cases of the disease in 2 animals. The first group of 120 cows was killed August third. At that time, the government banned export of all livestock, fresh meat and milk products. The ban is expected to remain in place until August 25th.

About 100 cattle were killed from a second infected herd on a farm about 3 kilometers from the first. A third group of cows was killed last week. Almost 600 cows have been destroyed so far to prevent the spread of the disease.