Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Farmers block roads in mad cow disease protest

Rush-hour action snarls traffic in Brussels

Ap
Tuesday 13 February 2001 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Farmers blocked roads into the Belgian capital Brussels the capital early today, snarling rush-hour traffic in a protest action to demand more government support to combat mad cow disease.

Farmers blocked roads into the Belgian capital Brussels the capital early today, snarling rush-hour traffic in a protest action to demand more government support to combat mad cow disease.

The farmers drove trucks and tractors at a snail's pace on some of the main roads, creating jams several miles long. The farmers headed for a meat market in Brussels and were seeking to talk to key government ministers later today.

The farmers complain they have become the main victims of the mad cow crisis.

Beef consumption has fallen by some 20 percent in Belgium since the crisis re-emerged in Europe last fall.

Authorities have found three cases of mad cow disease in Belgium since systematic testing for all cattle over 30 months was introduced at the start of the year.

In all, 22 cases have been found in Belgium since 1997.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in