The lowering of trade barriers and the intensification of livestock farming
may lead to 鈥渄evastating鈥 epidemics among farm animals, the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned last week. It is worried that livestock
transported between Eastern and Western Europe will spread diseases like foot
and mouth or swine fever. The threat of infection is exacerbated, it says, by
pig farms that keep up to 9000 animals per square kilometre. The FAO is calling
on European countries to overhaul their rules on the movement of animals and
improve farming practices.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
Galapagos corals suggest climate change drives stronger El Ni帽os
News
Life
Astonishing whale feeding frenzy seen off the eastern coast of Greenland
News
Environment
Octopuses released into Adriatic Sea to tackle invasive crabs
News
Technology
Driving data can predict crash black spots before accidents happen
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles