The Government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a case being confirmed in Germany.

The import of cattle, pigs and sheep and their products from Germany to GB have been banned to protect farmers and their livelihoods. GB health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to FMD, including all live animals and fresh meat and animal products.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is also urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following a confirmed case of the disease in Germany.

There are no cases in the UK currently. FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity. Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD.

FMD causes significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals such as reduced milk yields as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and milk for affected countries.

Clinical signs be aware of vary depending on the animals, but 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 with potential for blistering.

For more details visit www.gov.uk/guidance/foot-and-mouth-disease

Foot and mouth disease is a legally notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect a notifiable disease in your animals you must report it immediately by calling the Government Helpline. Failure to do so is an offence. The number to report a suspect case is: • 03000 200 301 in England • 0300 303 826 in Wales. If you are a keeper in Scotland then you should contact your local Field Services Office.

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