Oh Dear Lord, not again:

Britain faced the prospect of a new foot and mouth epidemic last
    night after a case of the disease was confirmed for the first time
    since the disastrous outbreak of 2001.

The Government launched emergency measures after cattle at a farm
    near Guildford, Surrey, tested positive.

A nationwide ban on the movement of livestock, including cattle
    and pigs, was imposed immediately.

Last time around 10 million animals were slaughtered. Many argue that vaccination would have been a better idea. This time around, who knows what they’ll do?

One thing to note: since the last outbreak the government has taken powers to itself to allow it to slaughter any animal it wishes at any time. It’s a (I think I’ve got this part right) criminal offence to try and stop them. We also have the Civil Contingencies Act now and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it invoked if the outbreak becomes widespread. Yes, environmental matters can indeed be used to invoke it. And that allows the confiscation of any asset without compensation.

Given the gross cock up last time around I’m really not all that sure that I’m happy that they have more legal powers now, really not sure.