Weller v Foot and Mouth Disease Research Institute [1966] 1 QB  569

A virus escaped from the defendant’s premises and affected cattle rendering them unsaleable. The claimant, an auctioneer, brought an action in negligence and under Rylands v Fletcher for loss of profit he would have made had the cattle not been so affected.

Held:

The claim failed. Pure economic loss is not recoverable in negligence or under Rylands v Fletcher.

Back to lecture outline on liability under Rylands v Fletcher in tort law