U.K. Imposes Strict Ban on Meat and Dairy Imports from Hungary and Slovakia Amid Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak

Source: DairyNews.today

In a decisive move to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, the United Kingdom has announced an immediate ban on meat and dairy imports from Hungary and Slovakia. The decision follows the confirmation of a case of the highly contagious livestock disease along the border between the two countries on Friday 7th March 2025, raising concerns about its potential impact on animal health and the agricultural sector. This latest outbreak comes just weeks after a similar case was reported in Germany, intensifying fears of a wider spread across Europe.

The ban, issued by the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) late Friday, applies to cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other non-domestic ruminants and porcines, including deer. It also extends to their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. 

Additionally, as from Sunday 9th March 2025, travelers arriving in Britain from Hungary and Slovakia will be prohibited from bringing meat, meat products, milk, dairy items, and animal by-products derived from pigs and ruminants. 

This measure is part of a broader effort to safeguard the U.K.’s livestock industry from potential infection, with authorities closely monitoring developments and urging farmers to remain vigilant.