On April 11, according to Politico, the UK government banned travelers from bringing meat and dairy products from the European Union (EU) into the country in an effort to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which is currently breaking out in several European countries.”
Beef is displayed for sale at a market in Southeast London, UK. Photo: AFP/Vietnam News Agency.”
On April 11, according to Politico, the UK government announced a new regulation prohibiting travelers from bringing meat and dairy products from the European Union (EU) into the country. This measure aims to prevent the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which has recently broken out in several European countries.
Under the new rules, travelers are not allowed to carry meat from cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs, as well as dairy products intended for personal use. Any undeclared items discovered at border control will be confiscated and destroyed.
Previously, the UK had already banned the import of meat products and live animals from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria following confirmed outbreaks in those countries. The latest restrictions, however, do not apply to goods arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Although foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health and no cases have been reported in the UK so far, it remains a highly contagious disease that threatens the agricultural sector—especially livestock farming.
UK Agriculture Minister David Zeichner emphasized that the government will take all necessary measures to protect farmers from the threat of foot-and-mouth disease. He stated that banning the import of meat and dairy products for personal use is a key step in strengthening biosecurity and safeguarding the nation’s food supply.
Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), warned that as the source of infection in some areas of Europe remains unidentified, tightening border controls is essential. He called for an intergovernmental biosecurity strategy, backed by adequate resources, to ensure long-term implementation through legislative means.
Hoang Tuan Anh / Tin Tuc News