Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreaks: UK Import Restrictions & Europe Update (2025)
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases Rise in Europe, Prompting UK Import Restrictions
Several European countries are currently experiencing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. Confirmed cases have been reported in 2026 in Cyprus, with earlier outbreaks occurring in Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany throughout 2025. While there are currently no cases in the United Kingdom, authorities are taking precautionary measures, including restrictions on certain imports, to prevent the disease from entering the country.
Current Outbreaks: A Regional Overview
The most recent case was detected in cattle and sheep in Larnaca, Cyprus. In Slovakia, six separate cases of FMD have been reported, primarily in the south of the country near the Hungarian border, with the first case reported on . Notably, the serotype identified in Slovakia matches that of the outbreak in Hungary.
Hungary first confirmed an FMD outbreak on , in a dairy cattle herd. A second farm in Hungary reported infection on . Germany reported its first case in almost 40 years on , affecting water buffalo near Brandenberg. This outbreak prompted the culling of the affected herd and a precautionary culling of pigs on a nearby farm. No further cases have been detected in Germany since.
Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids, and deer. It does *not* affect humans. The disease is characterized by fever followed by the development of blisters, primarily on the feet and in the mouth, which can cause lameness and difficulty eating. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, water, or equipment, and even through the air.
UK Import Restrictions and Biosecurity Measures
The UK government has implemented restrictions on the import of certain products from affected countries. Commercial imports of certain products from Cyprus are restricted due to the FMD outbreak, including hay, straw, and live animals susceptible to the disease. Specifically, restrictions apply to germplasm, fresh meat, meat products (unless suitably heat treated), milk and dairy products (unless suitably treated), and animal by-products.
Personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU remain prohibited, in line with existing restrictions. Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), emphasized the importance of these measures, recalling the devastating economic impact of the 2007 FMD outbreak in the UK. Bradshaw stated, “We welcome the swift action to restrict imports from Cyprus.”
Vaccine Availability and Control Measures
Suitable vaccines against the FMD virus serotype O are available in the German FMD antigen bank, which can produce necessary vaccines within days once activated. Surveillance information will guide further measures and potential vaccine use. In Slovakia and Hungary, suppressive vaccination is being used on infected farms to reduce viral load and alleviate pressure on resources.
Slovakian authorities are implementing control measures, including establishing protection and surveillance zones and prohibiting the movement of animals. Affected animals will be vaccinated and culled. In Germany, a standstill for cloven-hoofed animals was initially imposed in the affected regions, but has since been lifted.
Serotype Analysis and Outbreak Origins
Analysis of the virus serotype in Hungary revealed the highest similarity to a strain isolated in Pakistan in 2017-18, with a 98-99% match. Importantly, this strain differs from the one found in Germany earlier in 2025, indicating that the German and Hungarian outbreaks are not linked.
Importance of Vigilance and Reporting
Livestock keepers in the UK are urged to remain vigilant for signs of FMD and to report any suspected cases immediately. Reporting numbers are 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland. Bradshaw also emphasized the role of tourists and hauliers in adhering to biosecurity and personal import rules, stating, “This is a timely reminder about the importance of border security.”
The ongoing outbreaks in Europe serve as a critical reminder of the constant threat posed by FMD and the importance of robust biosecurity measures to protect livestock populations and the agricultural economy.