Trading Statement

Genus PLC
1 March 2001


                             GENUS PLC ('GENUS')

                                TRADING UPDATE

The recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease and the resulting safety
precautions introduced to restrict the spread of the disease are having an
adverse effect on Genus' short-term trading. The severe limitations being
placed on farm access are restricting the company's ability to attend farms.
This is affecting the businesses of the Breeding Division, the Consulting
Division and the sector of the Distribution Division which provides services
to vets involved in the large animal sector.

As a result, turnover and income during the last week in February was well
below the Board's previous expectations and this downturn is expected to
continue throughout March. The overseas agricultural businesses have been
unaffected and continue to trade in line with expectations.

The Board is urgently reviewing how to adjust the cost base to mitigate the
impact on profits but confidently expects that trading should recover swiftly
as soon as the disease has been eradicated.

Once the extent of the outbreak can be quantified more accurately a further
announcement will be made.


Contact:

Richard Wood         Genus plc                       Tel:     [phone]

Giles Elliott        Bridgewell Corporate Finance    Tel:   [phone]

Charles Ryland       Buchanan Communications         Tel:   [phone]