Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Apr 12: In a significant move to shield its livestock industry from the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, the United Kingdom has extended its ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products to include all European Union (EU) countries.
The UK government announced that, effective Saturday, travellers arriving in the country will no longer be allowed to bring in meat or dairy products for personal use from any EU nation. The ban covers cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, along with dairy items like cheese, cured and raw meats, milk, and even sandwiches regardless of packaging or point of purchase, including duty-free shops, reports Xinhua news agency.
"This measure is essential to protect the health of British livestock, ensure the security of farmers, and safeguard our food system," the government stated, underlining the seriousness of the threat posed by the ongoing outbreak in parts of Europe.
Authorities have warned that travellers carrying prohibited items will be required to surrender them at the border. Any violations could result in confiscation, destruction of the items, and fines of up to 5,000 pounds (approximately 6,550 US dollars) in England.
The latest restrictions come after earlier targeted bans were imposed on imports from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, following confirmed outbreaks in those countries. The disease has since spread, prompting a wider ban that now covers the entire EU.
While foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health, it is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and llamas. The disease can devastate livestock populations and severely impact farm incomes due to trade restrictions and reduced productivity.
The UK has not reported any cases of foot-and-mouth disease so far. However, officials say the proactive measures are crucial to preventing the virus from entering the country and causing a repeat of the devastating 2001 outbreak, which led to mass culling and widespread economic loss.