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Livestock Breeding > [Direct Victim ¦ Indirect Victim ¦ Vaccination ¦ Government Support]

ONE OF THE FIRST FOOT AND MOUTH VICTIMS

In mid-February last year, Eileen Fisher's family owned 90 pedigree dairy cows, 300 beef cattle and over 200 sheep. By the end of the month they had nothing but 600 incinerated carcasses. The farm they had spent their lives building was obliterated.

POOR RECOVERY NOT DUE TO FOOT AND MOUTH ALONE

1 year on, the 300 beef cattle have been replaced, and sheep numbers are rising towards 150. Recovery has been slow due to the general decline in farming income.

IN THE WAKE OF THE DISEASE

The most apparent effect of the disease is the constant worry it could strike again. Farmers are told to insure their animals, but no insurance firms will take the risk.

Farmers are struggling financially as foreign export markets have been lost. Although bans on British meat have been lifted, it's reputation abroad remains damaged.
The Fishers can't afford to go back into dairy farming - their former speciality. Eileen blames inadequate government compensation.

© Louise Bardsley December 2002