2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "I do not want to see that happen again in my lifetime"

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker writes on what was a truly difficult time for farming and why it should serve as a stark reminder, 25 years later, for the Government to never take the UK's national biosecurity for granted

clock • 2 min read
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "The following weeks resulted in taking regular calls from farmers across the country, many of whom were in tears and facing the destruction of generations of livestock breeding. The anxiety and sense of loss I sensed from these farmers was immense and thinking back now, it still brings strong emotions to my mind."
Image:

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "The following weeks resulted in taking regular calls from farmers across the country, many of whom were in tears and facing the destruction of generations of livestock breeding. The anxiety and sense of loss I sensed from these farmers was immense and thinking back now, it still brings strong emotions to my mind."

I still have vivid memories of the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, but I am conscious that the memories of those directly affected who lost animals will be far more vivid. Personally, I was travelling...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Farm Life

Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes
Farm Life

Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes

Sector issues plea to Government as landlords withdraw rented farmland plans to offset tax liabilities

Jonathan Wheeler
clock 13 March 2026 • 2 min read
Organic North Yorkshire dairy farm wins Tye Trophy for conservation
Farm Life

Organic North Yorkshire dairy farm wins Tye Trophy for conservation

An upland family farm in the north Craven district of Yorkshire is demonstrating that conservation and working with nature can go hand-in-hand with commercial farming

Howard Walsh
clock 12 March 2026 • 8 min read
Council caravan ruling could leave farm worker homeless
Farm Life

Council caravan ruling could leave farm worker homeless

Norfolk poultry farmer launches petition to 'Let David stay' after committee blocks dwelling request

Jane Thynne
clock 11 March 2026 • 3 min read