Troops Deployed to Fight Foot-and-Mouth
Britain mobilized troops against the foot-and-mouth epidemic that has swept through its farms.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, worried that the virulent disease was harming the nation’s image and slashing tourist income, sent in troops to help tackle the virus and launched a global charm offensive to reassure potential visitors.
About 200 soldiers began work in Devon in southwestern England and Cumbria in the northwest to help cope with the slaughter and disposal of thousands of animals. Blair’s spokesman said troops were helping only with planning and logistics.
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