Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Risk to Public Health or Food Safety

A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. Authorities swiftly moved to reassure the public that there is no risk to human health or food safety from this isolated incident.

The animal, which showed some clinical signs of BSE, was humanely culled on the farm and tested.  As it was fallen stock, the animal was not destined to enter the food chain.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss clarified, “Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease which is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, echoed this reassurance: “There is no food safety risk. There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.” He added that consumers can be confident in these protective measures, with FSA Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors continuing to ensure consumer safety in all abattoirs.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported by calling the Defra Helpline on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales), or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Failure to report is an offence.

Original source: Gov.uk

Pembrokeshire’s Only “State-of-the-Art” Abattoir Gets Expansion Go-Ahead

Plans to expand facilities at Euro Farm Wales, Pembrokeshire’s sole “state-of-the-art” abattoir, have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The application sought permission for an extension to the yard, along with the construction of a storage building and water tanks, at the existing abattoir located on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.

The approved scheme is anticipated to yield positive economic benefits by enabling the expansion of the existing business and securing local employment. Furthermore, positive environmental impacts are expected through the implementation of a sustainable drainage system for surface water and the provision of landscaping on the eastern boundary, as well as bird boxes on the proposed storage building.

The application was granted conditional approval, paving the way for the expansion of this key agricultural infrastructure in Pembrokeshire.

Original source: Yahoo News

Brazil Pins Hopes on Regional Approach to Ease Bird Flu Trade Bans

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing a challenging period following the country’s first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. However, Brazilian officials are optimistic that major importers, particularly China, will adopt a regional approach to trade bans, limiting restrictions to the affected southern state rather than implementing nationwide suspensions.

Luis Rua, international secretary at Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, expressed confidence that “since global demand is very strong, it’s likely that there will soon be some flexibility.” He added, “We are doing our part to quickly share information so things aren’t suspended for long.”

The hope is that China, Brazil’s largest chicken export market, will follow the lead of Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have indicated a willingness to restrict bans to chicken from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak occurred.

A nationwide ban would be particularly painful for both Brazil, which accounts for over 35% of global chicken exports, and major importers like China, which sources over half of its chicken imports from Brazil. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro highlighted this reliance, noting that the United States is the other primary supplier to China.

Interestingly, China already has significant restrictions on US poultry due to a widespread bird flu outbreak in the United States and ongoing trade tensions. Currently, China blocks poultry imports from more than 40 US states.

Brazilian officials are banking on their ability to contain the outbreak within Rio Grande do Sul and the strong global demand for chicken to persuade key importers to adopt a targeted, regional approach to any trade restrictions.

Original source: Reuters

Norfolk Farming Leader Demands Urgent Government Action on “Alarming” Abattoir Decline

A leading Norfolk farmer has joined calls for immediate government intervention to address the “alarming decline” of small abattoirs across the UK.

Graham Shadrack, the Norfolk chairman for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and a Breckland pig farmer of over 50 years, echoed concerns raised by MPs during a recent Westminster Hall debate highlighting the critical role of these facilities in the meat supply chain and the severe threat posed by their rapid closure.

The debate revealed that the sector is at “crisis point,” with small abattoirs reportedly closing at a rate of 10% annually, leaving just 60 operational in the UK by 2023.

Mr Shadrack welcomed the parliamentary discussion as a “positive start” but stressed that tangible government action must now follow. “The shortage of local abattoirs is a major issue for farmers in this area,” he stated. “People are travelling crazy distances to take animals for slaughter and this is not a sustainable situation.”

To address this crisis, the NFU is advocating for several measures, including a government-led independent review of the FSA’s cost structures, workforce management, and use of contractors. They also propose that charges be based on the number of animals processed at each abattoir and call for increased adoption of technology and automation, prioritised recruitment and training of directly-employed vets and inspectors, and the reinstatement of the Smaller Abattoir Fund.

Original source: Eastern Daily Press

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS

Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Marfrig’s strong presence in the beef sector with BRF’s extensive chicken and pork operations.

Marfrig had been steadily increasing its stake in BRF since 2021, culminating in a 50.5% ownership share prior to the merger. The newly formed MBRF is projected to have annual sales of $26.75 billion, positioning it as a significant competitor to Brazil’s leading meat processor, JBS.

Similar to JBS, Marfrig has established operations in the United States, holding an 82% stake in National Beef Packing Co. The merger will bring National Beef under the MBRF umbrella, further solidifying its presence in the crucial North American market. Marfrig previously owned Keystone Foods before its sale to Tyson in 2018.

While shareholder approval is still required at a meeting scheduled for June 18th, it is widely anticipated given Marfrig’s majority ownership.

MBRF’s CFO, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the new entity may consider a U.S. stock market listing in the future, a move JBS has also frequently hinted at pursuing.

Local reports suggest that this significant consolidation within the Brazilian meat industry will further strengthen Brazil’s position as a key meat supplier to China, a crucial export market for both Marfrig and BRF.

Original source: Foodprocessing.com

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Chicken Farm, China Imposes Trade Ban

Brazil has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious bird flu virus on a commercial chicken farm, triggering an immediate trade ban from its largest chicken export partner, China.

The outbreak occurred on a farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, as announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on Friday. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in a commercial setting in Brazil, which is the world’s largest meat exporter and second-largest chicken producer globally, behind the United States.

In 2024, Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached a record 5.294 million metric tons, generating $9.928 billion in revenue. China was the top destination, importing 562,200 metric tons. Other key markets include the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Following the confirmation, China swiftly imposed a temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil. The Brazilian government has stated that a contingency plan has been activated to contain and eradicate the outbreak and has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other trade partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasised that the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, assuring the public of the safety of inspected products. The risk of human infection is considered low and primarily associated with direct contact with infected birds.

Brazil has been implementing preventative measures against bird flu for nearly two decades. Authorities are now working to contain the spread and have implemented a 60-day animal health emergency in the affected region.

Original source: Reuters

French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports

Since May 13, UK exporters face French border chaos, as contract veterinarians strike at French Border Control Posts (BCPs), slowing veterinary checks for live animals and food products arriving from Great Britain. The work stoppage continues indefinitely, affecting all crossings—including Calais, the busiest point for trade.

From May 17–18, the strike halted live animal inspections at Calais completely, while food product inspections slowed significantly. Exports experienced longer queues and disrupted schedules. An emergency process was implemented for returning EU horses, allowing light-touch checks at Calais on May 19–20—but stricter procedures resumed from May 21, requiring early-morning boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations. Exporters must now secure both before sending live animals to avoid border delays.

Alternative Routes Advised:

To avoid bottlenecks, exporters are exploring alternative routes, like Caen–Ouistreham or crossings via Belgium and the Netherlands, helping maintain supply to European customers despite ongoing delays.

Businesses shipping meat, poultry, fish, or live livestock must stay updated daily and plan logistics accordingly. Using Meatex’s Pork, Poultry, and Fish/Seafood categories can help you find flexible sourcing amid disruption. Bookmark this page for real-time updates on the situation.

MPs Urge Government to Delay “Damaging” Farm Inheritance Tax Reforms

A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the Government to urgently delay its planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until April 2027.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee argues a pause until October 2026 for the final announcement would allow for better policy and provide a long-term vision for farming, also giving vulnerable farmers more time for advice.

MPs criticised the lack of consultation and impact assessment for changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, warning of “disputed and unclear” consequences for family farms, land values, and food security. A survey revealed farmer optimism plummeted from 70% to 12% post-budget, with 84% reporting mental health impacts linked to inheritance tax relief changes and the SFI closure.

While supporting the aim to close tax loopholes for wealthy investors, the Committee urged consultation on alternative reforms that wouldn’t harm small family farms. They also criticised the “sudden closure” of the SFI, demanding an alternative funding mechanism by September 2025 and clarity on its future.

The report also called for the urgent publication of the 25-year Farming Roadmap and criticised Defra’s “poor communication” and “breach of trust” with farmers.

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the negative impact of recent government actions on farmer confidence and wellbeing, urging a delay to the inheritance tax reforms to rebuild trust and provide the clarity the sector urgently needs.

source: Gov.uk

UK Declares Germany FMD-Free, Lifts Import Restrictions

Following a thorough technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination, effective from 14th May 2025.

As a direct consequence of this recognition, restrictions previously imposed on imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted. This means that exports of FMD-susceptible animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes, along with their products such as meat and dairy, can resume from the previously restricted area, provided all other standard import conditions are met.

This decision comes after a detailed technical evaluation of the measures implemented in Germany and the current FMD situation within the country. The UK government has stated that it will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to any changes in the FMD situation within the European Union to safeguard domestic biosecurity.

It is important to note that personal import restrictions remain in force. Travellers are still prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This measure is in place to protect British livestock health, farmer security, and UK food security. The restrictions apply to items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of packaging or whether they were purchased at duty-free shops.

While FMD poses no threat to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers are therefore urged to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity on their farms.

FMD is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease in animals must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities: 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Original source: Gov.uk

UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with Europe and traceability standards in the US.

The agreement, finalised last week during discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, establishes a mutual export quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef between the two nations. This marks a potential shift in trade, as very little US beef has been sold in the UK since a 1989 ban due to concerns over the use of growth hormones.   

Adam Quinney, a farmer from Sambourne on the Warwickshire-Worcestershire border, believes the deal is unlikely to result in a significant presence of American beef in UK supermarkets. However, he expressed concern about the potential implications for trade with the European Union. “It would be a concern if the trade barriers with Europe were made even more difficult than they are now,” Mr Quinney explained.

The UK government has sought to reassure farmers, stating that “the rules on food standards have not changed” and that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted for import. Mr Quinney echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were worried about standards, and what type of beef can be imported. And as more and more details come forward, it appears that it’s quite sensible. It’s hormone-free beef.”  

However, David Barton, a Cotswolds farmer and livestock chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), raised concerns about the lack of a national cattle tracing system in the US. “We have incredibly good traceability in the UK,” Mr Barton emphasised. “Every animal on my farm has a cattle passport from the moment it’s born. So wherever it goes, it can be traced right back to me. Do they have that in the US? I don’t think they do.”

He stressed the need for robust procedures to ensure the imported beef is indeed hormone-free. “We need to make sure that there are robust, rigorous procedures in place that we’re confident that it’ll be their non-hormone product.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that US producers will be required to have monitoring and certification processes in place to demonstrate compliance with UK food standards.

Despite the concerns, Mr Barton also acknowledged potential benefits for UK beef producers. “Our product is largely grass-fed,” he explained. “It’s a premium product, and it doesn’t carry the amount of fat that the US product has. So the US are always looking for lean beef to mix with their product. So there will be opportunities.” This suggests that UK beef, known for its quality and grass-fed nature, could find a niche market in the US, potentially complementing the more grain-fed American product.

Original source: BBC News