Now, an organic farming pressure group which had previously backed the slaughter programme, said it was failing. We have not rejected vaccination entirely. The Soil Association is instead calling for a vaccination programme.
Vets fear thousands are harbouring the disease, apparently without symptoms.
But farmers say that first, the government must deal with the carcasses which are being left to rot in fields for days before they are removed. Chief vet Jim Scudamore said action was being taken to do just that. He said the aim was to kill animals within 24 hours of diagnosis. He rejected criticisms that vaccination would mark a permanent end to Britain's disease-free status. He said vaccination would be cheaper than mass slaughter.