Foot-and-mouth disease European outbreaks

Updated 24 March 2025

Following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary and Slovakia, we are closely monitoring the situation and assessing its potential impact on UK agriculture.

FMD was confirmed in a 1,400-head dairy cattle herd in Kisbajcs in the north-west of Hungary and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 7 March 2025.

The Slovak Government has since reported three cases of the disease close to the Slovakian–Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle.

There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK

Defra has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and remind livestock keepers of the importance of maintaining strict on-farm biosecurity, compliance with the swill feeding ban and the reporting of all suspicions of notifiable disease promptly.

Further information on the outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia is available from Defra.

Imports of livestock, meat and dairy products, and hay and straw from Hungary and Slovakia have been restricted.

16 January 2025

FMD was confirmed in a 14-head herd of water buffalo in Germany in the state of Brandenburg on 10 January 2025.

The UK Government announced on Tuesday 14 January it was stepping up measures to prevent the spread of FMD virus, including a ban on the import of live cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany as well as restrictions on products of animal origin to protect farmers and their livelihoods.

The Government has also issued EU-wide restrictions on the import of certain products for personal use.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact the Field Services Office.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD.

There are no cases in the UK currently.

It is essential for livestock owners and producers to maintain sound biosecurity practices to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus:

• Check with visitors if they have recently travelled to countries affected by FMD outbreaks
• Control access to livestock by people and equipment
• Control the introduction of new animals to existing stock
• Maintain regular cleaning and disinfection of livestock pens, buildings, vehicles and equipment; use a Defra-approved disinfectant
• Monitor and report illness
• Appropriately dispose of manure and carcases

Source: World Organisation for Animal Health