The United Kingdom has taken decisive action to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease by banning imports of pigs, sheep, and cattle from Germany. This measure follows the confirmation of a case in Germany and aims to protect the UK's livestock industry, which has previously suffered devastating outbreaks in 2001 and 2007. To further safeguard the nation’s agricultural sector, the government announced it would no longer approve health certificates for animals and related products susceptible to the disease.
The UK government is working closely with German authorities to monitor the situation and stands ready to extend restrictions to other countries if necessary. Despite the confirmed case in Germany, there are currently no known cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasized the importance of these preventative measures.
"That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak, and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads." – Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner
The decision to impose these restrictions reflects lessons learned from past outbreaks, which resulted in the culling of millions of livestock and cost billions to both public and private sectors. The government has invested £200 million into the main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to enhance protection against such animal diseases. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss underscored the need for vigilance among livestock keepers.
"Livestock keepers [are urged] to exercise the utmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity, and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency." – UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss
The government remains committed to doing whatever it takes to safeguard the nation's farmers. Zeichner assured that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent the disease from reaching UK shores.
"We will continue to keep the situation under review, working closely with the German authorities." – Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner