We have a theory that the whole way of dealing witht the current problem is the governments way of punishing the farmers for the fuel crisis. It is my understanding that in Argentina (where we get a lot of our corned beef) foot and mouth is indemic but not regarded as a major problem as it causes little or no harm to humans and cattle who survive become immune to it. Certainly the current situation where dead animals are stacked in fields for anything up to a week waiting for incineration can only be detrimental to public health and I would rather take my chances with foot and mouth.