The United Kingdom is introducing new rules banning the import of personal meat and dairy products in an effort to protect the country’s agriculture from the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). These restrictions, however, will not apply to goods arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
FMD is not harmful to humans, and there are currently no reported cases in the U.K. However, the disease is highly contagious among livestock and poses a serious risk to the farming sector.
U.K. Farming Minister David Zeichner emphasized the government’s commitment to defending British agriculture. “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth,” he said. “That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.”
Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union, stressed the urgency of stronger border measures, especially given that the source of FMD outbreaks in parts of Europe remains unknown. “Stricter border controls are essential,” he said.
Bradshaw also urged the government to ensure travelers are informed about the new rules and called for better support for enforcement agencies like the Border Force. He advocated for a coordinated, long-term strategy by proposing a “cross-government biosecurity plan” backed by funding, to make such measures permanent through legislation.
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