Following the first confirmed case in Hungary, more foot and mouth cases have been discovered on the Hungarian/Slovakian border.
The three cases were found in separate premises. Since the 8th of March, imports of meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, as well as some composite products and byproducts have been banned from both Hungary and Slovakia in a bid to keep UK farmers and livestock protected.
As more cases are discovered, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer is calling for vigilance. Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “Foot and mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.
“Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising 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 said: “With disease now confirmed in Slovakia , it is clear the Government’s precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one.
“The confirmation of a Foot and Mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.
“Ensuring the safety of our livestock sector and protecting our farmers will always be a top priority.”
Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle, the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with the potential for blistering.
While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore is also prevented from entering.