Sir, - Members of our association, along with the thousands of others involved in rural tourism, view the arrival of foot-and-mouth disease to this island with horror. Many of us have successfully diversified from farming and have built up accommodation businesses around activities such as fishing, hunting, hill-walking, trail riding and cycling.
This disease threatens our livelihood. It does not recognise political borders and can be defeated only if we behave as if it had already arrived (which may well be the case). Naturally, our members are happy to take the appropriate preventive measures. Many have already cancelled bookings and sent visitors home, yet there has been no mention of compensation for them.
Under these circumstances we are astonished that the majority of farmers appear to be complacent about the spread of the disease which, it appears, is being taken far more seriously by town-dwellers and politicians. On a journey from south Kilkenny to Galway at the end of last week, then on to north Mayo, we only passed one farm where the recommended measure of disinfected straw had been placed at the entrance gate. Surely the time for recommendations has passed? Full compliance with all measures must be made obligatory, for everyone. - Yours, etc.,
Bobbie Smith, Chairman, G.H. GOSSIP, Chief Executive, The Hidden Ireland, P.O. Box 31, Westport, Co Mayo.
A chara, - There is a striking lack of critical examination of the foot and mouth problem in the Irish media. The disease does not kill animals, its effects are mild, and it is not a threat to human health. Its main threat is economic, and media coverage is focusing on this, with no discussion of the moral issues of inflicting suffering on animals through needless slaughter.
We need courageous journalists who are well informed about agribusiness to educate the public about the ruthlessness of farming practices, brought about by the emphasis on profit. Any discussion also needs to examine the role of the big supermarkets, who introduce price wars, thereby encouraging farmers to concentrate on producing meat as cheaply as possible, and leaving no margin for the care of sick animals. The true cost of cheap meat is not reflected in the supermarket price. This price takes no account of animal suffering, or of the pollution and congestion caused by transporting animals long distances, either for profit or for slaughter. I urge the Irish Times to publicise these issues. - Yours, etc.,
Anne B. Ryan, Maynooth Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare.
Sir, - I note that Masses in the Border area were cancelled at the weekend in response to the foot-and-mouth crisis. I presume all the pubs in the area also closed voluntarily. - Yours, etc.,
Colin Smith, Thomastown Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Sir, - Many charity, fundraising and religious events are being cancelled throughout to arrest the threat of spreading foot-and-mouth disease. However, publicans and nightclub owners seem to have granted themselves an exemption and the Government seem to be silent on the issue. Should we be surprised? - Yours, etc.,
Daniel Plewman, Ballytore, Co Kildare.