The National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for vigilance among 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’s presence in Europe comes as a cause of concern for livestock holders in the UK, said 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 to the demand on veterinary resources.
“And of course, news of Foot and Mouth disease will always bring back memories of the pain and the costs to UK farmers of FMD from the devastating outbreak back in 2001,” Stocker said.
The NSA has welcomed the response from the UK Government, halting the import of sheep, cattle and pigs as well as meat, dairy products and germplasm.
It hopes the origins of the outbreak in Germany will soon be discovered to reduce the spread of further infection.
“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 circulating in the UK, NSA has urged farmers to continue monitoring signs of disease within their flocks and ensuring the upkeep of biosecurity measures.
It claims the threat of Foot and Mouth disease has exasperated the concerns of farmers already struggling on the back of the bluetongue outbreak and the recent emergence of further Schmallenberg cases in early lambing flocks.
NSA has encouraged concerned farmers impacted by the ongoing situation to speak with friends and neighbours or to seek advice from rural charities offering support in these difficult circumstances.
Stocker concluded: “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.”
