The UK government has banned imports of pigs, sheep, cattle, and their products from Germany after a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, halts the approval of health certificates for animals, fresh meat, and animal products that are susceptible to the disease. There are currently no confirmed cases in the UK.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner signaled the urgency of the decision:
"We will do whatever it takes to protect our nation's farmers from the risk posed by foot-and-mouth. 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."
The government is working closely with German authorities and will continue monitoring the situation.
Foot-and-mouth disease rarely affects humans but poses significant risks to livestock. Symptoms include:
- Cattle: Blisters and sores on feet, mouth, and tongue; lameness; fever; reluctance to feed.
- Sheep and Pigs: Predominantly lameness and blisters.
Previous UK outbreaks in 2001 and 2007 resulted in millions of animals being culled, costing billions in public and private sector losses. The disease also leads to reduced milk production and economic setbacks, such as restricted access to foreign markets for affected animals and their products.
Dr. Christine Middlemiss, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, urged livestock keepers to be vigilant:
"Exercise the utmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity, and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."
The government has also announced a £200 million investment in laboratory testing and research facilities at Weybridge to strengthen defenses against animal diseases.
This ban is part of a broader effort to maintain the UK’s biosecurity following significant past outbreaks. The government has emphasized its readiness to expand restrictions to other countries if the disease spreads.
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