Restrictions on movement are obviously the key to eradicating the disease. It would be for Maff to prosecute and Maff can and do prosecute. This is perfectly legal and proper and acceptable to Maff as long as they are informed. However, it is fair to say there is a degree of temptation for farmers to get animals in on loan rather than buying them. The penalties for farmers without enough animals for their quota are very harsh and often mean huge financial loss.
Most people actually claim for fewer animals than they have in case they lose a few.
Maff officials also fear that farmers are breaking movement restrictions. According to the Observer yesterday, nearly 200 breaches of the rules have been reported. According to the newspaper, Cumbrian trading standards officers plan to prosecute two farmers who they believe deliberately moved healthy sheep to fields close to an outbreak, hoping that they could claim compensation if the animals contracted the virus. The local veterinary office would be in touch with trading standards. The allegations came as the tally of outbreaks reached 323 in Britain, with 25 cases confirmed yesterday.