London, UK – In a decisive move to safeguard its livestock industry, the United Kingdom government has implemented an immediate ban on the import of meat and dairy products from Hungary and Slovakia. This action follows the confirmation of a new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Hungarian village of Kisbajcs, located a mere kilometer from the Slovakian border, on Friday, March 7th.

The import ban, which took effect on Saturday, is the latest in a series of precautionary measures taken by the UK in response to the resurgence of FMD in Eastern Europe. Earlier this year, in January, a similar ban was imposed on Germany after the detection of an FMD case within its borders.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), has emphasized the government’s commitment to containing the spread of the highly contagious disease. “We are in close contact with our Hungarian counterparts to understand the full extent of the outbreak and the measures being taken to control it,” she stated. “I urge all livestock keepers across the UK to exercise the utmost vigilance, adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, and report any signs of suspected FMD to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) without delay.”

FMD, a viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, can cause severe economic disruption due to trade restrictions and the need for widespread culling. The UK government’s swift response underscores the seriousness with which it views the threat posed by the disease.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s agricultural sector. “The government will take all necessary steps to shield our farmers from the risks associated with FMD,” he affirmed. “We will not hesitate to expand the list of countries subject to import restrictions should the disease spread further. We are continuously monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with the Hungarian and Slovakian authorities.”

The UK’s proactive stance reflects the lessons learned from past FMD outbreaks, which have had devastating consequences for the agricultural industry. By acting swiftly and decisively, the government aims to minimize the potential impact of the current outbreak and protect the livelihoods of British farmers.