On 10 January, a case of foot and mouth disease was detected near Berlin, Germany, in a herd of water buffalo. Foot and mouth is a highly infectious viral disease which can affect cattle, sheep, goats and all ruminating animals, as well as pigs. This is the first foot and mouth outbreak in the EU since 2011.
As a result, a number of safeguarding measures were put in place by Defra on 16 January, including restrictions on the import of susceptible animals, untreated products of animal origin and animal by-products from Germany.
Subsequently, on 7 February, Defra announced that it had suspended commercial imports of hay and straw originating in Germany due to the fomite risk associated with such products.
Advice for horses travelling to and from Germany
While horses aren’t suspectable to foot and mouth, they can carry and transfer the disease via material from the infected animal, such as hair or manure. This also applies to people and transport.
Therefore, it is advised that anyone travelling to Germany with horses does not not come back with locally bought hay and straw. Additionally, measures should be taken while in Germany to ensure that horses do not have contact with wild boar or deer, who could be infected with the disease, or have access to livestock pasture.
Due to the safeguarding measures in place, horses travelling into the UK from Europe may be stopped on entry and any hay and bedding on board, including haynets, may be held. It’s advised that proof of purchase is made available for inspection.
Upon return to home yards, strict biosecurity measures should be put in place and vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the possible spread of infection.
These measures will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended by Defra.
Further information
