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' "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, MARCH 23,2001 - 3 Rugby team's return from UK worries farmers By Chris Hall Weekend Star Uxbridge Township Councillor Howie Herrema says he's been receiving calls from local farmers who are concemed about a rugby team returning home from a trip to England. Mr. Herrema told The Star on Wednesday afternoon that farmers are worried students travelling through the United Kingdom could be carrying the highly-contagious foot-and-mouth dis- ease that is currently causing a crisis in Europe. "I've talked personally with one farmer are there are others as well who: have questions," said Mr. Herrema. The Uxbridge Secondary School boys rugby team was scheduled to land at Toronto's Pearson International Airport Wednesday afternoon. They had been travelling the English countryside, com- peting against teams from British schools. "There are a few concemed farmers who have made calls about this, and | have spoken with the (Durham District) school board and the local trustee," Mr. Herrema said. "They have taken plenty of precau- tions. They've gone beyond what is called for by (Canadian immigration officials)." Mr. Herrema said players and their *5999 Plus Tax PDI & Freight incl. M.S.RP. $7099 Only whils suppliss lact D chaperones, including USS principal Peter Morris, washed all their clothes prior to leaving England, and had their cleats sent out for cleaning. "That's important. | believe the mud there is a good incubator for the disease," he said. "They've done all those things over there, and they will go through the screening process when they arrive (in Toronto)." ~ Mr. Herrema added that the school 'board has asked all the players to remain at home for the remainder of the week before returning to class next Monday. Foot-and-mouth disease afflicts cloven-hoofed animals such as pigs, sheep and cattle, causing severe weight loss and reduced milk supply. It is not harmful to humans. But humans are capable of transporting the virus. Infected animals in Europe, and those thought to be at risk, have been killed and their carcasses bummed to stop to spread of the disease. More than 220,000 animals have been slaughtered in Britain and a further 90,000 -are-due-to be killed. The British govemn- ment is also planning on killing hundreds of thousands of apparently healthy ani- mals to stem the epidemic. 9.95% 60 mth OAC 10: with your BROCK'S GOLD CARD" Finding an ATV that works as hard as it plays can be a tough task. That is, unless you've met the Magnum 325 4x4. These machines are tested on-some of the most rugged terrain on the planet! For work or play -go ahead and jump on! it'll make your day HOLLYWoOD | 4A GipLE » ] HOLLYWOOD SirhLE » & Power Equipment Hwy. 36 at Queen St, Lindsay (70s) 5) 324-5672.