Dorset hoteliers emphasise that they are 'open for business' as concern grows over Easter tourism trade. The first case of foot and mouth is confirmed in the Irish Republic. Total cases now stand at 455. Two cases confirmed in Holland. The number of UK cases now stands at 411.
Government announces rural rescue package to help struggling business.
EU ministers extend export ban on British meat until April 4. Reports suggest that foot and mouth could cost the countryside as much as 50bn in lost trade. The government's chief vet, Jim Scudamore, travels to Cumbria to explain to farmers his decision to cull healthy animals. The number of confirmed cases continued to rise, now standing at 323. Agriculture Minister Nick Brown to order the cull of thousands of healthy animals as one of a number of pre-emptive strikes against the disease.