2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "The countryside should never be shut down again"

British agriculture was rocked to the core 25 years ago by the foot-and-mouth crisis. Have lessons been learnt at a time when the UK food supply chain is being compromised by illegal meat and cheap food imports?

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
"If the UK's robust food supply chain is bargained away for cheap food imports and undermined by illegal meat, it is not only the countryside which suffers, but the whole of society."
Image:

"If the UK's robust food supply chain is bargained away for cheap food imports and undermined by illegal meat, it is not only the countryside which suffers, but the whole of society."

The 25th anniversary of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in the UK brings back vivid memories of a truly heartbreaking time for the countryside. For many, the sight and smell of the open-air pyres, used...

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

 

More on Farm Life

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