The effects of foot-and-mouth disease are dreadful and its economic consequences spread far wider than the farming community. Despite this, there is a great deal of hypocrisy around and it is not helping to find solutions.

All farmed animals are bred for slaughter and for no other reason - 900 million of them every year.

The dreadful irony is, a quick death on the farm because of foot-and-mouth is almost certainly preferable to days of transportation, the brutality of livestock markets and dealers, and the terror of inhumane slaughter in abattoirs.

If the slaughter of innocent animals really does upset you, change your diet and stop eating meat.

Viva! will give you all the help and advice you need. It has dozens of cookery books and recipes and detailed information on health and nutrition.

These disease epidemics are getting more frequent and some, such as BSE and E-coli, kill humans too. Going veggie is not just a brave moral step but may also save your life.

For a free pack, contact Viva! at 12 Queen Square, Brighton BN1 3FD, tel 01273 777688, or website www.viva.org.uk

-Jo Lacey, Sudely Street, Brighton