The authorities in the affected provinces have attempted to stamp out the disease by employing quarantines and limiting animal movements in susceptible areas.

CNN: Foot-and-mouth virus: A global dilemma

Beef export volumes rose by 86% last year, thanks partly to efforts to stamp out foot-and-mouth disease.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

The planned cull is part of a joint effort by the Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland governments to try to stamp out foot-and-mouth disease.

BBC: Farm in Thisk in Northern Ireland