UK Stops Meat and Dairy Imports from Hungary and Slovakia Due to Foot and Mouth Outbreak
The UK has halted imports of meat and dairy from Hungary and Slovakia to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease, urging farmers to stay vigilant and follow biosecurity measures.
The UK has banned meat and dairy imports from Hungary and Slovakia after foot and mouth disease (FMD) was found near their border. This follows an earlier ban on German meat and dairy due to an outbreak there.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and their fresh meat and dairy will no longer be allowed from these countries. Hungary reported its first case of FMD in over 50 years, raising concerns about the spread of the disease across Europe.
Why This Matters
FMD is a fast-spreading virus that affects livestock, including cows, pigs, and sheep. It is not dangerous to humans, but it can cause major economic damage by making livestock sick and leading to trade restrictions. The UK’s last big outbreak in 2001 cost farmers around £8 billion.
To stop the spread, UK authorities have tightened border checks to prevent affected products from entering the country.
Government and Farmer Concerns
Defra says all imports from affected areas must be reported in advance, and strict border controls will block restricted goods. The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss, urged farmers to stay alert:
We are working with Hungary to control the outbreak. Farmers should be on the lookout for symptoms, maintain strong biosecurity, and report any suspected cases immediately.
Despite these measures, some farmers worry that border controls are not strong enough. Earlier this year, banned German meat still entered the UK due to a system error. Illegal meat imports are also increasing, which could further spread the disease.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is calling for stricter rules to prevent illegal meat from entering the country. FUW president Ian Rickman said:
FMD isn’t a risk to human health, but it can severely impact farms and rural communities. We need better border security to stop illegal imports.
What Happens Next?
The UK government is reviewing its biosecurity policies to strengthen protections. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner has promised:
We will do whatever is necessary to protect our farmers from foot and mouth disease.
For now, farmers and livestock owners are being urged to stay cautious and follow biosecurity guidelines to prevent any spread of the disease.