Sir, - The deer-hunting season began on September 1st. It has come to my attention that licences are being issued to UK-based deer hunters. These people may also pursue their sporting interest in areas of the UK where foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed. I am aware that foot-and-mouth antibodies have been identified in wild deer in such areas.
In the light of the multitude of precautions that have been taken in this country, is such licensing not considered a risk to our disease-free status? Was the Department of Agriculture's expert committee consulted? This issue concerns me as a farmer as many of these deer hunters will be visiting Wicklow. - Yours, etc.,
Anne MacDonald Hill, Dunganstown Castle, Wicklow.