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Second case of foot-and-mouth disease confirmed
FMD is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep and pigs.
The disease was found on a cattle farm in Hungary.

Governments in the UK and Northern Ireland have increased biosecurity measures after a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in Hungary.

Following testing, national authorities confirmed the case of FMD on a cattle farm to the north west of Hungary, on its border with Slovakia.

This is the second case of FMD to be confirmed in 2025. On 10 January, Germany reported that a case of FMD had been detected in a small herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has acted to block the import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non-domestic ruminants, as well as their untreated products, into Great Britain. The restrictions join those already in place on German exports.

From 8 March, travellers have also been unable to bring meat, dairy and certain composite or animal by-products from Hungary or Slovakia to Great Britain.

FMD does not pose a risk to human and food safety. However, it is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep and pigs.

This can result in significant economic loss, through production losses in affected animals and a loss of access to the foreign market.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK chief veterinary officer, has urged livestock keepers to remain vigilant of the signs of FMD in their own livestock. There are currently no cases of FMD in the United Kingdom.

Dr Middlemiss said: “We remain in contact with our Hungarian counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot and mouth disease, measures are now being taken to contain and eradicate the outbreak.”

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland’s Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has enforced similar measures. It has confirmed that no susceptible species were imported to the country from Hungary or Slovakia during the risk window.

The disease has not been detected in Northern Ireland since the 2001 FMD outbreak across the UK.

Andrew Muir, minister for agriculture, environment and rural affairs, said: “Having a second case on the continent in Hungary should give us all a cause for concern. Foot and Mouth outbreak in Hungary is a clear reminder that we must continue to adhere to excellent biosecurity and responsible sourcing.

“We all have to play our part to keep this devastating disease out of our livestock and wildlife."

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.