Almost 190,000 animals have already been earmarked for slaughter. Some 132,000 of them have been killed. MAFF officials are planning to trace and cull all the animals who passed through infected markets, or farms owned by dealers. Markets at Northampton, Hexham in Northumberland and Longtown in Cumbria, are all believed to have handled diseased animals. No, tracing sheep is not easy.
Sheep sold at market or via the slaughter house are relatively simple to trace.
Farmers are required by law to keep a log of every single animal movement on and off their farm. MAFF officials can then follow a paper trail to find particular sheep or flock. However farmers do not always obey the law and unofficial deals could be causing a problem. Not all the framers who traded at the crucial markets have come forward. Ben Gill, President of the National Farmer's Union admits illegal sales are a contributing factor in the outbreak.