Following confirmation of a case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, a ban has been put on the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from there. It is hoped that this action will help to protect UK farmers and their livelihood.
While FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, it is highly contagious to cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
An FMD outbreak can be very bad news both for the animals and economically, so livestock keepers are being encouraged to be vigilant to symptoms and rigorous about their biosecurity.
Clinical signs vary depending on the animals involved. Key symptoms for cattle are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue. They may have fever, lameness or a reluctance to feed. Pigs and sheep may show lameness with potential for blistering. There is further guidance on the signs to look for here.
Since FMD is a legally notifiable disease, it must be reported if found.
