Defra has confirmed a case of FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) in cattle and sheep in Larnaca, Cyprus.
The UK Government has applied restrictions on certain Cypriot commercial imports to Great Britain.
Commercial imports of cheeses from Cyprus, including halloumi, remain permitted provided they meet the heat treatment requirements and are accompanied by the mandatory health certificate. Personal imports of meat and dairy (including halloumi) from the EU remain prohibited in line with restrictions brought in last year.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Twenty five years ago today, we were less than a week into the devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak. That crisis cost the UK economy billions, and I know the emotional scars still remain.
“We welcome the swift action to restrict imports from Cyprus. Speaking at NFU Conference, the Secretary of State accepted there was more to do on biosecurity. We need to see government fighting illegal meat imports, ensuring the Border Force have the resources they need to stamp out this practice.
“This is a timely reminder about the importance of border security, and I urge all UK livestock keepers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. It’s also vital that tourists and hauliers play their part and adhere to strict biosecurity and personal import rules.”
There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK.
Risk level
The risk of FMD entering the UK is currently assessed as low. Get more detail at: GOV.UK | Foot and mouth disease - Risk levels and outbreak assessments
Reporting suspected FMD
FMD is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
- England – call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
- Wales – contact 0300 303 8268.
- Scotland – contact your local Field Services Office.
FMD can spread very quickly, therefore it is vital that suspected cases are reported immediately, and that keepers practice good biosecurity. This includes following Defra guidance on importing goods and taking precautions with visitors and when travelling to countries affected by FMD.
Signs and symptoms
FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. It is spread through all excretions and secretions of infected animals, such as particles in the breath, saliva, milk, semen, urine, faeces and fluid from blisters.
The virus can also be spread through:
- The breath of infected animals, which can travel large distances
- Contaminated pens and buildings
- Contaminated vehicles, clothing and footwear
- Contaminated feed, water and equipment
- Raw or improperly cooked contaminated animal products fed to susceptible animals
The virus can be present in secretions up to four days before clinical signs of the disease are detected. Blistering is the typical clinical sign and can appear on the nose, tongue, lips, in the mouth, between toes, above the hooves, teats and pressure points. Other signs include:
- Fever
- Lameness
- Drooling
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Drop in milk production
- High youngstock mortality
Animals that recover may act as carriers of the disease.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of FMD, visit: GOV.UK | Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report it
Further information is also available from: AHDB | Foot and mouth disease
