Government Acts on Foot and Mouth Disease Threat

Government Implements New Measures to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

In response to a rising number of foot and mouth disease (FMD) cases across Europe, the Government has announced new measures to protect British livestock and ensure the security of farmers and the UK’s food supply. Starting Saturday 12th April, travellers will be prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.

This ban includes items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged, or purchased at duty-free shops. While FMD poses no risk to humans and there are currently no cases in the UK, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals like wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. The outbreak in Europe presents a significant threat to farm businesses and livestock in the UK.

FMD can lead to substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in affected animals and loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and dairy products. Earlier this year, the Government had already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep, other ruminants, pig meat, and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria following confirmed FMD outbreaks in those countries.

The new EU-wide restrictions aim to better safeguard the UK against the evolving disease risk and provide clear guidelines for travellers to help them comply with the regulations. These restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain and do not affect personal imports from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

The Government’s proactive measures underscore the importance of protecting the health of British livestock and maintaining the security of the nation’s food supply amidst the ongoing FMD threat in Europe.

AIMS Comment

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has long advocated for a ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products. They welcome the Government’s announcement, stating:

“AIMS have urged the Government to impose a ban on personal imports for meat and dairy products for a considerable time. We welcome this announcement which will help to defend our borders from imported diseases such as FMD and ASF that posed such a threat to British farming, food processing and the wider economy.

The Government now need to ensure that travellers, especially those holidaying in Europe this summer, are made aware at the point of embarkation, that they are not permitted to bring in meat and dairy products to Great Britain.”