Disease Fears Prompt Britain to Ban Rudolph

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has canceled his trip to Britain this Christmas because government officials fear that reindeer may spread the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease that has plagued the nation.

Instead, Santa Claus will have to rely on horses and huskies to pull his sleigh. Top London department store Harrod's will use a horse and carriage this year.

"Rudolph has to stay in Lapland. This is the first time in living memory Harrod's has not used a reindeer," a store spokesman said.

In the port of Southampton, Santa will be pulled by dogs.