The controls initiated on April 12 are deemed essential to minimize the risk of foot-and-mouth disease incursion, stated the U.K.’s deputy chief veterinary officer for international and trade affairs, Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro.
The shop, dispensing items like a 40-pack of cured sausages, is situated five meters from a U.K. Border Force post where British border officials consistently check passports.
A U.K. government spokesperson expressed: “This government will take all necessary actions to shield British farmers from foot-and-mouth disease. We are collaborating thoroughly with Border Force, ports, airports, and international travel operators to boost awareness of the new restrictions with prominent signage.”
The ban on personal imports was established after foot-and-mouth cases were identified in Hungary and Germany earlier this year. However, experts have warned that U.K. health officials are underfunded to enforce the rules, as POLITICO reported in April.
In 2001, a U.K. outbreak led to the slaughter of 6 million cows and sheep on farms and induced restrictions on countryside access to curtail the disease spread.
The estimated economic impact of that episode on the British economy was £8 billion.
Leave a Reply