Overview
- Cumbria was the worst‑affected area in 2001, with an estimated £230m local loss and about 7,000 tourism jobs wiped out.
- Cumbrian vet David Black says another outbreak is likely, recalling his practice lost about 95% of the animals it cared for during the crisis.
- Farmer representatives urge tougher border enforcement and action against illegal meat imports to protect domestic herds and consumers.
- Experts flag ongoing vulnerabilities including wintered hefted flocks and the lack of food‑chain acceptance for vaccination against foot‑and‑mouth.
- Stakeholders acknowledge tighter animal‑movement controls since 2001 yet push for clear plans to impose rapid nationwide movement lockdowns if needed.