November 23, 2020

EU implements measures to stop entry of FMD

The European Union has adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/1723 regarding measures to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease virus into the bloc from Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

These countries are not declared free of foot-and-mouth disease, and Member States export a significant number of live animals to these third countries.

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The virus causing the disease has the potential to spread from infected animals and contaminated objects including means of transport like livestock and feed vehicles or vessels.

The decision lays down rules on the inspection of cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and vessels transporting animals and vehicles transporting feed upon return to EU territories from the listed countries.

The competent authority of the Member State of the point of entry into EU territories is to carry out visual checks on livestock vehicles. The operator must provide information showing that the livestock vehicle has been cleansed and disinfected after the last unloading of the animals at the point of entry.

If the disinfection/cleaning is deemed unfit, the vehicle will be subjected to proper cleaning and disinfection or be refused entry into EU territories.

- EUR-Lex