The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has urged livestock keepers to remain vigilant following recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in Hungary, Germany, and Slovakia.
While no cases have been detected in the UK, the government has tightened biosecurity measures to prevent the disease’s entry.
Since March 8, travellers from Hungary and Slovakia have been banned from bringing meat, dairy, animal by-products, and agricultural materials like hay and straw into Great Britain.
Additionally, commercial imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and untreated meat and dairy from Slovakia have been prohibited to protect farmers and their livestock.
"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," stated UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer.
Though harmless to humans, it causes severe blisters, fever, and mobility issues in animals, leading to production losses and export restrictions.
Countries with outbreaks face economic setbacks, making early detection and containment essential.
Uganda has also faced FMD challenges, with outbreaks reported in Mukono for the first time in 20 years.
Between 2015 and 2019, the country recorded 140 outbreaks, including 13 in districts bordering Tanzania.
In response, Uganda has intensified vaccination efforts, recently acquiring three million doses to curb the disease.
In November 2024, Mbarara City launched an FMD vaccination drive after receiving 20,000 doses from the Ministry of Agriculture.
This follows a May shipment, reinforcing efforts to protect livestock in the western cattle corridor.
Dr. Moses Amanyire, the city’s senior veterinary officer, urged farmers to act, stating, “The vaccine is here, and we need farmers to take action.”
As part of Uganda’s bi-annual FMD vaccination program last yearonly vaccinated animals with proper certification were to be allowed in livestock markets starting next year.
“Without a vaccination certificate, livestock won’t be eligible for trade,” Dr. Amanyire warned.