The Economics
Exports: It is estimated that the value of these exports is about....£630 million a year. http://194.200.85.8/info/fmda&qorg.asp#q5
The imports and exports of lamb and pork are practically balanced.
Cost so far of government culling policy: [Media 20 April 2001] Foot and mouth 'has cost £20bn in lost business'
Excluding imports (which probably balance out) it would take 31 years of exports to cover the cost of keeping a disease free status, so far.
Not forgetting the trauma to thousands of farmers, and the trauma inflicted on millions of animals most of which were killed within sight of each other, many with rifles.
BUT cost to government only about £500 million (April 20),
[Media 21 April 2001] Sacrificial lambs
[Media, April 23, 2001] Sentenced to death, the horses too dear to keep