January 15, 2025
UK stops import of pigs and cattle from Germany following confirmation of FMD case
The United Kingdom has introduced a ban on pigs, sheep, and cattle imports from Germany after a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in the country.
The government said on January 14 that it will no longer approve health certificates for animals, fresh meat, and animal products susceptible to the disease to prevent its spread to the UK where there are currently no confirmed cases.
In 2001 and 2007, the UK suffered major outbreaks of the disease, leading to millions of livestock animals being slaughtered across the country.
Farming minister Daniel Zeichner said the government will do "whatever it takes to protect our nation's farmers from the risk posed by foot-and-mouth".
He added: "That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak, and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads.
"We will continue to keep the situation under review, working closely with the German authorities."
As well as culling animals, farmers affected by the disease could see reduced milk production, as well as wider economic implications such as the loss of access to foreign markets for animals and their subsequent products.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss has asked "livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity, and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency".
- BBC