Grapevine: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Endangers British GP

The British Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Silverstone circuit on July 15, may be in jeopardy following the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease which is affecting several areas in the UK.

Britain's Motor Sport Association decided lat week to suspend all existing permits for racing events with immediate effect and not to issue new ones until further notice in order to halt all events using the public highway as part of the competition, and to eliminate events which commonly take place on or near agricultural land.

Foot-and-mouth disease affects animals with cloven hooves such as pigs, sheep and cows. It is harmless to humans and is not even fatal to most animals, but it destroys their economic value. The disease can travel miles by air or on clothing or vehicle tyres.

The Silverstone circuit in Northampton is near an agricultural land and therefore it may be in jeopardy if the disease continues to spread.

Currently, the total number of sites affected by the foot-and-mouth infection in the UK is 39.