The UK has banned the import of cows, pigs and sheep from Germany to stop the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
All foods that originate in Germany such as sausages and bratwurst which is made from these animals will not be given a GB health certificate.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said, “We remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of Foot and Mouth disease.
“We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease.
“I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
There is no FMD in the UK and farmers are being advised to be vigilant and look out for any signs of the disease.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said, “The Government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth.
“That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads.
“We will continue to keep the situation under review working closely with the German authorities.”
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