NSA urges vigilance as threat of Foot and Mouth disease adds to British livestock farmers’ disease concerns

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging vigilance amongst the nation’s sheep farmers following the news of a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in Germany last week. 

Although the confirmed cases currently appear to be isolated to one farm, news of the disease being present in Europe unsurprisingly causes concern for livestock keepers in the UK, says NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker.

“It’s the last thing we want to see here in Britain – we are already suffering from Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus adding demand on veterinary resources and of course news of FMD will always bring back memories of the pain and the costs to UK farmers of FMD from the devastating outbreak back in 2001.”  

NSA has welcomed the response from the UK Government in swiftly halting the import of sheep, cattle and pigs as well as meat, meat and dairy products, and germplasm.

Mr Stocker continues: “Any disease outbreak results in significant private and public costs, as well as serious animal and human welfare implications, so NSA is pleased to see border controls heightened, with an immediate suspension of meat and livestock imports until things become clearer.

“It is hoped that traceability in Germany will quickly identify where the disease has been introduced from and if any further livestock holdings both in Germany or further afield are known to be at significant risk.”

With many FMD symptoms having similarities to those of the bluetongue virus that is still present in the UK, NSA is urging farmers to continue to be vigilant to signs of disease within their flocks and to ensure biosecurity measures are followed to the highest possible level.

The threat of FMD whilst the sector continues to deal with implications of restrictions enforced following the bluetongue outbreak last year, and the recent emergence of further Schmallenberg cases in early lambing flocks in areas of the UK will no doubt add to farmers worries. NSA would encourage any farmers affected by the ongoing situation to speak with friends and neighbours or to seek advice from rural charities offering support in these difficult circumstances.

Mr Stocker concludes: “As many farmers look to the new season with lambing just around the corner this could be a worrying time. NSA will continue to update its sheep farming members and the wider sheep farming community on the latest news to aid them at this time and encourage the use of the NSA website and social channels to access this information, as well as the Animal and Plant Health Agency website.”