UK ministers have banned German livestock imports as cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) were detected. To prevent the spread of the disease to Britain, new measures were enacted preventing the imports of pigs, cattle, and sheep.
The disease is highly contagious among livestock yet poses no risk to humans or food safety.
According to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, German imports account for around 10% of the UK’s pork products and 4% of its dairy.
Livestock keepers have been urged by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer to stay vigilant and watch for signs of the illness – there are currently no known cases in Britain.
Signs of foot and mouth can present differently depending on the animal.
Cattle symptoms include sores and blisters on the feet, mouth, and tongue, a fever, lameness, and lack of appetite. Sheep and pigs also experience lameness and blistering.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr 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.
“I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
The disease can cause significant economic losses due to a lack of production such as reduced milk yields and livestock. A wider economic impact can also be seen due to the loss of foreign markers for animals, meat and milk in locations where FMD is found.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner has said the “Government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by Foot and Mouth.”
She said: “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.
“We will continue to keep the situation under review working closely with the German authorities.”