| SLUG: 2-273937 Britain / Hoof and Mouth (L) | DATE: | NOTE NUMBER: |
DATE=03/20/01 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=BRITAIN / HOOF AND MOUTH (L O) NUMBER=2-273937 BYLINE=TOM RIVERS DATELINE=LONDON CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A month into Britain's hoof-and-mouth crisis, Prime Minister Tony Blair has called in the army to help. Tom Rivers in London says the involvement of the military is something many farmers have been asking for since the outbreak was first discovered. TEXT: At least initially, the army deployment will be small - just two-hundred soldiers working in pairs - and the troops will only assist the civilian veterinarians with logistical help. Unless the hoof-and-mouth crisis really starts to escalate, the soldiers are not expected to help out in the actual slaughter of the animals. The initial contingent of soldiers is being sent to the two hardest-hit counties: Devon in southwestern England and Cumbria in the northwest. The soldiers come from the ranks of the royal military police. Among them, is Major Belinda Forsyth. /// FORSYTH ACT /// It is different for us. It is good to get out and about around the country and it is unusual but it is something that we sort of relish and take on board, so we are looking forward to it. /// END ACT /// The total number of infected farms stands at over 360 and it keeps rising every day. Many in rural communities would have liked to have seen the army deployed sooner, in greater numbers and with more responsibilities, but as farmer Dudley Luxton says it is good to see them now. /// LUXTON ACT /// I would not say it is too late. It was a shame they were not involved before, but their manpower at present is going to help the situation. And I am sure that everybody will be happy to see the army involved. /// END ACT /// The initial work will focus on the disposal of some 70-thousand carcasses; animals that have already been slaughtered but have not been destroyed yet. Many local farmers are hoping the army can help the veterinarians catch up with a virus that has, until now, remained one step ahead of everyone. (Signed) NEB/TR/KL/KBK | ||