THE FOOT AND MOUTH DISASTER–MARCH 3

All British racing and off-road activity has been banned because of the spread of Foot and Mouth disease among the animal population of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The disease can be spread in dirt, and thus the British equivalent of the AMA, the ACU, has banned all off-road motorcycle activities in Great Britain. The order has already brought motorcycle racing in England to a halt and the ruling will be in effect for the immediate future. The ACU will review the ban weekly.

What does it mean? Since the disease can be spread by dirt that is stuck to the tires of off-road vehicles, there are not only no races in Great Britain, but no practicing. British professional racers have been leaving England for Southern France and Spain in order to get ready for the GP season. However, before a car or truck can cross the English Channel it must be disinfected.

The British have been struck by several animal epidemics in the last few years, including Mad Cow disease, but the Foot and Mouth outbreak is the first to effect motocross.