Following the confirmation of a case of foot-and-mouth disease near Berlin, Britain has banned the import of pork, lamb, beef, sausages and dairy products from Germany. In addition to products such as ham, bacon and cheese, the ban also covers the import of live animals, such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
Mandy Nevel, of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), warned that the ban could cause disruption to supplies. Germany is the third largest exporter of pork to the UK, with an 18% market share, and the second largest for dairy products.
The UK government has also said there are currently no cases in the UK and that the measures are necessary to protect farmers. Although foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health, it is highly contagious to animals with split hooves. Germany can no longer be considered free of the disease, and the UK ban could be just the first of more trade restrictions.
