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Foot-and-mouth import ban extended to EU
The ban includes cured meat, cheeses and milk.
Travellers can not bring meat into the UK for personal use.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has extended a ban of personal imports of meat and dairy products to cover all European Union (EU) countries.

Effective 12 April, travellers are no longer able to import cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat products from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This includes sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meat and milk.

These latest restrictions follow previous bans earlier this year on imports from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, after confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease from or around these countries.

Defra says that these new restrictions on EU countries would safeguard the UK against changing disease risk and protect the health of British livestock. It says that it has provided clear rules for travellers, helping them to comply with regulations.

The new restrictions apply only to those travelling into Great Britain and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving into Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

Foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to humans. However, it is a highly contagious disease among cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Although there are currently no cases in the UK, an outbreak in the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock.

Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK deputy chief veterinary officer for international trade and affairs, said: “Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion.   
   
“I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Clinical signs vary depending on the animals. Cattle may present with sores and blisters on their feet, mouth and tongue, as well as fever and lameness. Sheep and pigs may show lameness, with potential for blistering.

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.