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December 4, 2008 10:38:17 AM CST

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UK Farmers Facing Tax for Cattle Outbreaks

Posted Nov 18, 07 6:14 PM CST in Science & Health,  World 

(Newser) – UK farmers face an $82 million tax bill to pay for curbing cattle infections. Farmers are likely to gripe, the Guardian reports, because diseases have already slammed profits—and the government is to blame for leaking foot and mouth disease from a lab last summer. But the environment ministry is cutting $615 million and must balance the books after recent outbreaks.

The idea of taxing farmers arose after the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, which cost roughly $6.1 billion and led to the culling of seven million animals. Said one official, "There is a general acceptance that the introduction of a levy would not only be fairer for taxpayers, but also give farmers a much bigger incentive for taking the right biosecurity measures necessary to prevent disease spreading."

Source Guardian (UK)

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A highland cow grazes in a field at a rare breeds farm in Baylham in Suffolk eastern England where a cow has been found with bluetongue Sunday Sept. 23, 2007. Further tests are being carried out at...   (Associated Press)
Cows graze near Egham in Surrey, England , Wednesday Sept. 12, 2007. British authorities confirmed the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease Wednesday at a farm on the outskirts of London, sparking concerns...   (Associated Press)
Chickens are seen walking free at a farm near Diss in Suffolk, England, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Over 20,000 birds are being culled as a precaution after the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu was found...   (Associated Press)
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agriculture • outbreak • livestock • disease control • Foot and Mouth Disease


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