By the end of 1999 there had been a 54 per cent drop in profits in just one year. Farmers averaged a profit of 57 a hectare. That meant the average family farm of 300 hectares would have seen profits fall from 37,000 to 17,000. MAFF confirms the outbreak in Essex. The Government bans export of live animals, meat and dairy products.
More suspect cases emerge.
The EC announces a ban on exports of all live animals and animal products from Britain. Third case is confirmed in Essex. The Government suspends movement of all livestock in Great Britain for the next seven days. A seventh outbreak is confirmed in Devon. The EU announces extends a ban on Britain's meat and dairy exports.