The UK Government has imposed an immediate ban on livestock imports from Germany following the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in water buffalo near Berlin.
The case marks Germany’s first outbreak of the highly contagious disease since 1988.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced today that Great Britain health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to the disease.
The restrictions cover cattle, pigs and sheep, as well as fresh meat and animal products from Germany.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced today that Great Britain health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to the disease
PA
The move comes as part of robust measures to protect British farmers and food security from the devastating disease, which can cause significant economic losses through reduced production and loss of export markets.
There are currently no cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said officials remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease,” she said.
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Dr Middlemiss urged livestock keepers to be extremely vigilant for signs of the disease.
The clinical signs in cattle include sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue, often accompanied by fever, lameness and reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, the main symptoms are lameness and potential blistering.
Defra has emphasised that rigorous biosecurity measures are essential for protecting herd health and welfare.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasised the Government’s commitment to protecting the agricultural sector from the disease threat.
“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,” he said.
The minister confirmed that officials will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside German authorities.
The 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, which saw around 2,000 cases across UK farms, serves as a stark reminder of the disease’s potential impact.
The Government has stressed that maintaining strict biosecurity measures is crucial for protecting livestock.
The government has stressed that maintaining strict biosecurity measures is crucial for protecting livestock (Stock Image)
Getty
Defra officials are working to ensure all necessary precautions are in place to prevent disease spread.
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said the German outbreak “will send a shudder down the spine of every livestock keeper.”
“The confirmation of disease is a reminder to all of us in the livestock sector to be vigilant for exotic notifiable diseases,” he said.
Jones urged the UK Government and its Border and Animal Health agencies to take every possible action to secure borders against disease risks.
Any suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease must be reported immediately to authorities.
Farmers in England should call 03000 200 301, while those in Wales should dial 0300 303 826.
Scottish livestock keepers are advised to contact their local Field Services Office if they suspect signs of the disease.
Failure to report suspected cases is considered an offence under UK law.