Livestock Virus Curbs Recreation in Britain

LONDON â€”  Horse racing was canceled throughout Britain, a major international rugby match was called off and the government extended restrictions on the movement of livestock as fears about the impact of foot-and-mouth disease mounted Tuesday.

Outbreaks of the highly contagious livestock ailment were identified at six new sites, bringing the number of locations where cases had been confirmed to 18. About 7,000 cattle, pigs and sheep have been slaughtered in an effort to stop the spread of the disease, but it shows no signs of ebbing.

As the Agriculture Ministry scrambled to trace the intricate path of the virus, Prime Minister Tony Blair called an emergency Cabinet meeting. Agriculture Minister Nick Brown later announced that restrictions on livestock movement around the country would be extended through March 16.

Farmers believe that as many as 25,000 sheep, cattle and pigs passed through three markets at the center of the outbreak during the week before the movement of livestock within Britain was banned Friday.

Foot-and-mouth disease, which afflicts cloven-hoofed animals, spreads very easily. Although humans almost never catch it, they can carry it on boots and clothing. The virus can also be transmitted by contact between animals, through the air or through contaminated feed.

Fans of racing, rugby and hiking were also feeling the disease’s impact.

The Jockey Club, which runs horse racing in England, announced that races will be suspended at least until March 7.

Ireland suspended all horse and greyhound race meetings, and a major rugby match between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday was scrapped because of fears Irish fans could carry the disease home.

Britain’s government granted local authorities the power to close footpaths to walkers, and Dartmoor National Park, a popular hiking area in southwest England, was closed to protect the 60,000 cattle and sheep that graze there.

This week’s escalation of the virus followed a weekend lull in which only one new case was reported.

Bonfires have lighted up affected areas as authorities incinerate about 7,000 slaughtered animals. An additional 5,000 animals have been killed in continental Europe, where no cases have been found but authorities fear the disease could spread.