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Diseases

UK Lifts Restrictions on German Meat and Dairy Exports following FMD Assessment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Following a thorough technical evaluation, Great Britain has officially acknowledged Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination as of 14 May 2025. This decision has led to the lifting of trade restrictions on imports of FMD-susceptible commodities from the containment zone in Germany. The UK government has stressed that while FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, it remains a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. The lifting of restrictions allows exports of FMD-susceptible animals and their products, such as meat and dairy, to resume from the containment zone, provided all other import conditions are met.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has officially recognized Germany as FMD-free without vaccination as of 14 May 2025.
  • Restrictions on imports of FMD-susceptible commodities from the containment zone in Germany have been lifted.
  • Exports of FMD-susceptible animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes, and their products can resume, provided all other import conditions are met.
  • Personal import restrictions remain in place to prevent human import of cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, into Great Britain for personal use.
  • FMD poses no risk to human or food safety but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals.
  • Livestock keepers must remain vigilant and report any suspected FMD cases immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or their local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Statistics:

  • The FMD-free recognition was granted on 14 May 2025.
  • The crop of FMD-susceptible animals includes: cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes.
  • Exports of FMD-susceptible animals and their products can resume from the containment zone in Germany.
  • Personal import restrictions cover: cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products.

Sources:

  • [1] UK Government, "Foot-and-mouth disease: Germany declared FMD-free" (2023)

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