/ 23 November 2001

The administrative secretary from the Presidency: Republic of South Africa

replies …

On behalf of the President we thank you for your letter of 19 March 2001.

Your concern for the poorest of the poor is noted and appreciated.

You are quite correct when you state that Foot and Mouth disease does not pose a human threat. However, I have done some research and was informed that the virus of this disease is so threatening and deathly to other animals that it would be extremely unwise to even make an attempt to distribute them for the use of human beings. It will spread like wildfire and within a very short while we will have no animals left. This will lead to an even bigger problem for human beings.