We were under the impression that it was the Ministry of Agriculture, and not the supermarkets, which set agri-policy in this country. This is a very serious crisis for farming and we are all focused night and day to keep meat in our stores for our customers to buy and help the British farming industry to recover. The Ministry of Agriculture confirms the outbreak. Tests confirm an outbreak of the disease at a farm adjacent to the abattoir and owned by the same family. The Government bans all exports of live animals, meat and dairy products.
More suspect cases emerge.
The European Commission announces a ban on exports of all live animals and animal products from Britain until March 1. Both city and rural dwellers are advised to keep away from farmland to prevent spread of the disease. Hunting is suspended across Britain. Postmen are told to leave post at farm gates. The number of confirmed outbreaks reaches six.