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2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: 'It was a year that changed farming'

The 25th anniversary of the UK foot-and-mouth outbreak is an important moment to reflect on the lessons learnt and the ongoing significance of maintaining high standards to protect food safety and the farming industry

Chris Brayford

15 March 2026 • 2 min read

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Red Tractor chair Alistair Mackintosh said: "To prevent another outbreak, we must ensure our borders are properly controlled, and that imported products meet at least the same standards that British farmers adhere to."

The 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak is a year which brought farming to a standstill. Restrictions, food safety concerns and the mass culling of livestock reshaped the agricultural sector and serves as...

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2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: 'It was a year that changed farming'

The 25th anniversary of the UK foot-and-mouth outbreak is an important moment to reflect on the lessons learnt and the ongoing significance of maintaining high standards to protect food safety and the farming industry

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2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: 'It was a year that changed farming'

The 25th anniversary of the UK foot-and-mouth outbreak is an important moment to reflect on the lessons learnt and the ongoing significance of maintaining high standards to protect food safety and the farming industry

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