THE Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has taken the unsual step of issuing a statement to deny it has plans for a large-scale cull.

Rumours have been rife that such a mass slaughter has been planned and will be carried out following the election. According to these rumours, haulage contractors and hotel rooms have been booked, including in North Yorkshire.

The National Farmers' Union says there is no hard evidence to back up the rumours and in its statement, MAFF said it has no plans to change its present culling procedures.

According to the statement: "There are no plans for large-scale increases in the slaughter regime and no planning of a strategic or practical nature for widespread culling of animals although, of course, the ministry keeps under constant review its policies in the light of new information."

It goes on to say that the ministry and the army are "still engaged in a complex operation in many areas of the country, particularly in the Settle/Clitheroe area where there are still a serious number of cases".

MAFF also confirms "it is likely to be some time before the outbreak is finally dealt with ... and logistical planning to support this effort goes on."

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, June 07, 2001