There has been inaccurate media coverage regarding foot and mouth disease (FMD) controls with reports that it took six or seven days for controls on commercial imports to take effect and “allowed disease to enter the country.”
These claims are inaccurate. Our strict controls are designed to protect our borders from disease incursion, and we have taken the most stringent action possible to protect our farming sectors.
On the specifics of the reporting, which are based on claims around IT systems updating, let’s be clear:
- On 10 January 2025, Germany notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth. On the same day, Port Health Authorities (PHAs) and Local Authorities (LAs) were requested to immediately hold impacted consignments at Border Control Posts
- Also on the 10th, Defra issued communication to traders notifying them of these controls and worked with individuals that had consignments held at points of entry. We issued a clear and immediate direction to PHA’s to check and hold suspected consignments
- Following established processes, the department worked quickly to develop and issue guidance for traders and PHAs on safely importing relevant German commodities to support trade. Defra was in continuous contact with the German authorities about the impacted FMD zone.
A Defra spokesperson said:
"The government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth disease. That is why restrictions were immediately brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak.
"We ensured that auto-clearance facilities were superseded by robust biosecurity controls which were implemented at pace following confirmation of the outbreak."
To read more about the robust action we took you can read the Farming Minister’s urgent statement to the House of Commons Statement on Foot and Mouth Disease - GOV.UK
4 comments
Comment by Dan Bignell posted on
This might be worth contacting the new outlets for an apology or a retraction - I have seen this inaccurate reporting in Private Eye, which is usually reliably for fact-checking.
Comment by Graham Bloodworth posted on
It is known However, humans, as well as horses, cats, dogs, and birds, can act as mechanical vectors for FMD, meaning we can spread the virus from farm to farm. After an infected animal recovers, it can then be a carrier of the virus as well?
So should not fix hunting be terminated in any area that has an FMD restriction, the hunt are not known for their biosecurity measures.
Comment by Michael Lancaster posted on
This is the second example I've read from you guys stating incorrect reporting by the media. Perhaps incorrect reporting should be subject to fines as this is what causes rioting and carnage. Responsible reporting should be a priority for the general good of the public and when not followed there should be repercussions for those who are responsible.
Comment by John w. Baxter posted on
I take some convincing that every effort is being made when I view reports from our free press that we have secure borders regarding food imports…….the most troublesome one being that pork from outside the U.K. has been entering this country and finding its way into the U.K. food chain and being sold as British Pork……..that story has gone cold…..resolved? ….many questions are raised by consumers wanting to get more involved in their food sourcing and labelling…..something I find very frustrating when trying to trace the origin of my bacon eg. Using eg GB 001 H label on the back. When is the FSA going to make it clear and simple for us to trace?……too much smoke and mirrors at present for my likings.