TAVISTOCK'S butchers reported very busy trading at the beginning of the week.
John Downing said it was 'like Christmas' and although Downings has enough meat to last several weeks, busy trade could mean stocks diminish.
Jenny Howell of Howell's said: 'Monday and Tuesday were horrendous — housewives have panic-bought a bit, although the pubs etc are relying on us to let them know how things are.
'Up to now our suppliers have come up trumps and we can only hope that continues.'
Brian Bird of Palmers said people were beginning to stock up on meat, but as the situation was an 'unknown quantity' it was difficult to forecast the future.
'This week there won't be any bulk supplies at all. We've got a stock in now which will last probably three weeks.
'Basically we buy all local meat, we don't sell any imported meat,' he said.
'Hopefully we will still be able to supply local meat, but after three weeks it's going to be difficult, we shall have to look at other sources'.