The Slovak Government has confirmed three separate cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle, located near the border between Slovakia and Hungary. These incidents were detected on distinct farms that house cattle, raising concerns about the potential spread of this highly contagious viral disease.
In response to this outbreak, the UK Government has implemented preventive measures aimed at protecting local farmers and their livestock. Specifically, it has prohibited the commercial importation of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other non-domestic ruminants and porcines, including deer, along with their untreated products such as fresh meat and dairy items from Slovakia. This ban was introduced as a necessary precaution to mitigate the risk posed by the recent cases reported in the region.
Since March 8, travelers arriving in Great Britain have been restricted from bringing in certain animal products. This includes meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, composite food items containing meat or dairy, and by-products derived from pigs and ruminants. Additionally, hay and straw have also been prohibited from entering the UK, a measure taken following a confirmed case located near the Hungary-Slovakia border.
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has emphasized the importance of vigilance among livestock keepers, urging them to closely monitor their animals for any clinical signs indicative of FMD, particularly in light of the recent outbreaks recorded not only in Slovakia but also in Hungary and Germany. As of now, there are no reported cases of FMD within the UK itself.
While FMD is not a threat to human health or food safety, it remains a serious concern for agricultural operations. The disease affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals—this category includes species such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. Consequently, it is essential for livestock keepers to uphold stringent biosecurity measures to safeguard their herds from potential infection and to help prevent the disease from spreading further.
