Foot-and-mouth disease detected in Slovakia
Clinical signs of foot-and-mouth disease can vary depending on animal.
The Slovak government has confirmed three cases of foot-and-mouth disease near the Slovakian-Hungarian border.
The most recent cases, found in three separate premises housing cattle, follow previous reports in Hungary and Germany.
In response to this latest case, the UK government has banned the commercial import of cattle, pig, sheep, goats and other ruminants from Slovakia. This joins existing legislation, enforced since 8 March, which banned the import of animal products such as meat, milk and dairy, as well as hay and straw, from Hungary and Slovakia.
Defra says that this action will protect UK farmers and their livestock from the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. There are currently no cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK.
Although foot-and-mouth disease poses no risk to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious disease among cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
This can cause significant economic losses from affected animals, as well as meaning loss of access to animals, meat and milk from affected countries. Livestock keepers are asked to rigorous with biosecurity.
Clinical signs of foot-and-mouth disease can vary depending on animal.
Cattle will usually have sores and blisters on their feet, mouth and tongue, as well as lameness and a reluctance to feed. Meanwhile sheep and pigs will present lameness and have a potential for blistering.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Foot-and-mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.
"Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling: 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.
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