Our View: Sympathy for farmers, but livestock culling is the only way

It is impossible not to feel sympathy for the livestock farmers, who are faced with financial ruin as a result of the rapid spread of foot and mouth (FMD) disease that has led to the culling of thousands of animals, with many more set to follow. Years of hard work are being destroyed overnight, with farmers powerless to stop it and protect their livelihood.

They have been fighting against the authorities’ efforts to implement the EU protocols for FMD, but it is a fight that cannot be won.