One case found in Northern Ireland
Less than two weeks after the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom in 2001, the slaughter of a herd of sheep was ordered in Northern Ireland. Animals had been traced as dangerous contacts and were confirmed to have FMD. Northern Ireland came under virtual “house arrest.”
Not only were farmers directly affected by the prohibition on sales and exports of animals, but the general public felt the effects. Elections, sports events, and even a protest by the Orange order were postponed or cancelled.
Good luck and good judgment were credited for preventing the situation from getting worse.
Nevertheless, the ramifications of one case were felt deeply and widely in agricultural communities.
Continued on Part 3 of 4
