Following a confirmed case of foot and mouth (FMD) in Hungary, the government has banned the import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other non-domestic ruminants and porcines, such as deer, and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy.
The ban extends to both Hungary and Slovakia, as the case was discovered near the border of the two countries. Actions are underway to address possible risks from goods already on the way to Great Britain.
This ban is in addition to the import ban for livestock and products from Germany, following an FMD outbreak in water buffalo in January.
In addition, travellers can no longer bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and byproducts of pigs and ruminants from any of the affected countries.
UK chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “We remain in contact with our Hungarian counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot and mouth disease, measures are now being taken to contain and eradicate the outbreak.”
“I would urge 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.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner added: “The government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth disease.
“That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Hungary and Slovakia to prevent an outbreak. 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 Hungarian and Slovakian authorities.”
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