THE Country Land and Business Association welcomed the prompt action taken to contain the outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Surrey - but warns the government must not turn a blind eye to the lessons of the 2001 outbreak.
"Frankly it is with a sense of dread and foreboding that the farming industry awaits further details of the confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease," said president David Fursdon.
Mr Fursdon, who farms in Devon, says that at a time when consumers are being persuaded to buy local produce, including meat, image and PR will be crucial.
"The scenes of disease and devastation, of a countryside closed for business must not be repeated," he said.
"Careful and intelligent handling of this outbreak will, I hope, mean that not only can we avert a disaster for British farming - but we can also make sure that it is not a disaster for the wider rural economy."
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