Wales’ chief veterinary office is urging livestock owners in Wales to remain vigilant following a recent case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Germany. The disease was discovered in a water buffalo on a farm in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg, in the east of the country on January 10. This is the first case of foot and mouth disease in Germany for almost 40 years.
The UK Government has introduced a ban on pigs, cattle and sheep imports from Germany after the case was confirmed in the country. Ministers announced health certificates, which approve import requirements for animals, fresh meat and animal products, will no longer be issued to those susceptible to the disease.
The measures were announced on Tuesday, January 14, in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease to the UK, where there are currently no known cases. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
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Wales chief veterinary officer Richard Irvine, said: “We are aware of the single case of Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany and are working closely with the UK Government to protect our livestock following this unfortunate news. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany is prohibited to protect farmers and their livelihoods. GB import health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to FMD including for all live animals and fresh meat.”
He added: “We have robust contingency plans in place to manage risk and protect farmers and our food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk of incursion and spread of this devastating disease. Foot and Mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.
“I urge livestock keepers to maintain the highest levels of vigilance and biosecurity, and to practice the safe-sourcing of livestock and germinal products to protect our herds and flocks, and keep animal disease out of Wales. If you suspect Foot and Mouth disease it is essential to report this immediately.”
Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman, said: “The recent case of Foot and Mouth disease in Germany will be a source of concern for livestock farmers across Europe. The news will inevitably rekindle memories of the far-reaching impact the disease had on the agriculture sector and the countryside as a whole over two decades ago in 2001, and acts as a timely reminder of the importance of thorough checks at our borders so that this disease is not imported into the UK.
“We welcome the steps that have been initially pursued by German authorities, together with the decision by UK Government to ban the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany. We will keep a close eye as the situation develops, and encourage livestock keepers to remain vigilant.”
In 2001 a million animals were slaughtered across Wales, with farming and tourism thrown into crisis. Distressing scenes of billowing smoke from burning pyres and carcasses being buried in vast pits filled TV news bulletins in a year consumed by efforts to get the outbreak under control – at an estimated cost of £8bn to the UK.
Footpaths were closed, tourism nosedived, major events such as the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show and the Urdd Eisteddfod were cancelled and a general election delayed. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter