Kobe beef farmers worry about foot-and-mouth outbreak

Weasel, did you mean to say "raised"?

But given the strong steps authorities have taken, he sees only a low chance of the likelihood of the disease spreading.

It takes one "nutter" to deliberately spread the virus to wipe out the whole industry of Kobe beef? An interesting (and frightening) thought in a competition business.

Kobe beef is a Japanese prized object. The government should prevent the disease.

"19,000 yen for a slab of steak"

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Instead of slaughtering the animals,why not let them develop a natural resistance to the disease, its endemic in large regions of the world,consuming the meat is not dangerous, the animals may develop lameness and blisters. If a dog developed blisters in the mouth and a limp would you take it to the vet to be put down. Although "effective" in terms of disease eradication, slaughtering is a diabolical waste of resources stock lines and mountains of beef. The cure is worse than the effects of the disease.

Kobe beef farmers worry about foot-and-mouth outbreak

I'm sure EVERYONE throughout Japan is worried about it.

I'm sure they are all completely over insured. Their over priced cows are treat better than any of the employees. Good, but not worth the price. Give me American Beef made in Iowa or Nebraska (Omaha steak) any day. Affordable and just as soft and juicy.

What you worry about will always come.Its inevitable. Meat eating is all but over anyway

“Usually it takes two to three years to raise and fatten cattle before slaughtering,” said Yasuhiro Nakashima

“Some farmers care for their calves like their own family members,” said Onishi. “I would be devastated if I were them.”

Did anyone else spot the contradiction here?

Looks like farmers aren't he only ones with a beef with foot and mouth disease.

The flesh industry complain they're taking a hit where it hurts. http://bit.ly/aJIINX

"The Nishitachi area hosts roughly 1,500 eateries and fuzoku (sex-related) shops. Those who have been hit hardest by the disease’s spread are businesses directly involved in the meat industry and clubs and shops frequently patronized by public officials"