Ban on Austrian Livestock Imports
UK Bans Livestock Imports from Austria to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease
The UK Government has announced a temporary ban on the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and wild boar from Austria to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This precaution follows the confirmation of a new FMD case in Hungary, near the Austrian border.
Import Ban Expanded Amid FMD Outbreak in Europe
The import restrictions apply to live animals and untreated animal products such as fresh meat, dairy, and other raw goods. The ban now includes Austria, in addition to existing bans on imports from Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has emphasised that while FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, wild boar, llamas, and alpacas.
Personal Imports Also Restricted
In addition to commercial imports, travellers are no longer permitted to bring the following items into Great Britain from Austria:
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Meat and meat products
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Milk and dairy products
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Animal by-products from pigs and ruminants
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Certain composite products
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Hay and straw
These restrictions match existing measures already in place for Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Government Actions to Protect UK Livestock
Authorities are working closely with border control agencies and traders to manage the risk from any goods currently en route to Great Britain. Pre-notification and enhanced border checks are in place to prevent the entry of restricted items.
Livestock Keepers Urged to Stay Vigilant
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is calling on livestock farmers to remain alert for clinical signs of foot and mouth disease, particularly after recent outbreaks in Europe.
Common signs of FMD in livestock include:
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Fever
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Lameness
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Excessive salivation
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Blisters on the feet and mouth
Although no cases have been reported in the UK, the economic impact of an outbreak would be severe—leading to production losses, trade restrictions, and potential loss of access to export markets.
What Is Foot and Mouth Disease?
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads rapidly through animal contact, contaminated equipment, and even via clothing or vehicles.
Strict biosecurity practices are essential to prevent an outbreak and protect the UK’s livestock industry.
Key Takeaways:
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UK bans imports of live animals and certain products from Austria due to FMD risk
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Import restrictions also apply to Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany
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Travellers face limits on personal imports of meat, dairy, and hay
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Livestock owners are urged to maintain strict biosecurity
Source: Gov.UK
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