The cost of foot-and-mouth to the British economy could top £40 billion sterling if the crisis continues until July, business leaders claimed today.
The Institute of Directors said the bill already stood at half that sum, and the average business could expect to lose out by more than £125,000 unless an early end to the crisis is found.
Its estimate came after a survey of 600 businesses showed over a third had already been affected.
So far, the average loss had been £50,000 each but that would rise if the crisis were not ended soon.
For larger firms, employing up to 249 people, the average loss so far stood at £200,000, although that was predicted to reach £500,000 if foot-and-mouth remained until July.
Head of the institute's policy unit Ms Ruth Lea said £40 billion represented 4 per cent of Britain's gross domestic product.
"These are not trivial sums. Along with the other economic concerns, such as the deteriorating international situation and the fragile stock markets, the economic situation is certainly not as bright as it was even two to three months ago," she said.
"Our members have made it very clear that they expect support for businesses, and not just farming, that have been badly affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak."
PA