UK Bans Livestock Imports from Hungary and Slovakia Amid Foot and Mouth Outbreak

Swift Action Taken to Protect British Farmers

The UK government has implemented an immediate import ban on cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and related products from Hungary and Slovakia following a confirmed case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary. The move aims to safeguard British farmers and their livestock from the highly contagious viral disease.  

The FMD case was detected on a cattle farm in northwestern Hungary, near the Slovakian border. In response, the UK has banned the commercial import of live animals and untreated products such as fresh meat and dairy from both Hungary and Slovakia.  

In addition to the import ban, travelers will be prohibited from bringing meat, dairy, and certain animal by-products from these countries into Great Britain starting March 8th. This measure further strengthens the UK’s biosecurity protocols.  

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss, has urged livestock keepers across the UK to remain vigilant for signs of FMD. While there are currently no cases in the UK, the recent outbreaks in Hungary and Germany highlight the risk.  

FMD, though not a threat to human health, is a serious disease that can cause significant economic losses due to production disruptions and trade restrictions. The disease is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer.  

“The government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth disease,” stated Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner. “That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Hungary and Slovakia to prevent an outbreak.”  

The government has also announced a £200 million investment in research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to enhance protection against animal diseases. Livestock keepers are reminded to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspected cases of FMD immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.  

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