GB import ban on German livestock following FMD outbreak

Cattle, pigs and sheep and their products may no longer be imported from Germany to Great Britain, the government has announced, in response to the single case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country declared last weekend.

The disease was spotted in a herd of 14 water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, east of Berlin, the first outbreak of FMD in the country since 1988.

Three animals died and the rest were put down.

See also: Case of foot-and-mouth disease discovered in Germany

An announcement from Defra on Tuesday 14 January confirmed that GB health certificates will no longer be issued for FMD-susceptible animals or fresh meat and animal products from Germany.

This is because Germany has lost its official FMD-free status for exports outside the EU.

While FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, it is highly contagious to cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

Signs to look out for

Clinical signs be aware of vary depending on the animals. In cattle the key signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed.

In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness and potential for blistering. 

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “We remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot-and-mouth disease.  

“We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease.”

Defra farming minister Daniel Zeichner said the government would not hesitate to add additional countries to the list banned from exporting to the UK if the disease spreads.

© Tim Scrivener

Trade impact

The decision to ban imports is likely to cause some disruption to the pigmeat supply chain, and possibly dairy.

Mandy Nevel, the AHDB’s head of animal health and welfare, said: “Germany is the third-largest exporter of pigmeat to the UK, with an 18% market share.

“It is also the second-largest exporter of dairy products with a 12% market share.

“It means that ham, gammon and bacon, as well as product like salami from Germany, will not be allowed into the UK. As such, we are expecting some disruption to supply.”

Beef and sheepmeat markets are expected to feel little impact, as trade is very limited.

Previous outbreaks

The UK last had an outbreak of FMD in 2007, when just eight cases were recorded before the disease was brought under control.

There was a more significant outbreak in 2001, with about 2,000 cases recorded and more than six million sheep, cattle and pigs slaughtered.

It took nine months to bring the situation under control and is said to have cost the UK’s public sector £3bn and the private sector £5bn.

FMD is a legally notifiable disease and must be reported if farmers have any suspicions.

To report a suspect case in England, phone 03000 200 301, and in Wales 0300 303 826.

Keepers in Scotland should contact their local Field Services Office to report suspicion of disease.