All restrictions on imports of affected commodities into Great Britain from Germany have been lifted, after the government officially recognised the country as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free without vaccination as of May 14.
This means restrictions previously applied to imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted.
Exports of FMD-susceptible animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer and buffaloes, and their products, such as meat and dairy, can, therefore, resume from the containment zone, provided that all other import conditions are met.
This decision follows rigorous technical assessment of the measures applied in Germany and the current disease situation. Defra stressed, however, that if the situation changes, it will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the EU to protect the UK’s domestic biosecurity.
FMD was discovered in a small herd of water buffalo near Brandenburg in early January, prompting a complete ban on products from Germany into Great Britain. In late-March, the governmemt announced that imports of livestock and meat and dairy products could resume from Germany from outside the area around its foot-and-mouth outbreak, after the UK government recognised the regionalisation principle.
Restrictions remain on susceptible products from Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, after unrelated outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia.
Personal import restrictions
Personal import restrictions remain in place that prevent travellers from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.
This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain, regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.
The government is urging livestock keepers to be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity, in light of its presence in Europe.
FMD is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:
- 03000 200 301 in England
- 0300 303 8268 in Wales
- your local Field Services Office in Scotland.