Defra introduces Hungary import ban following foot and mouth case

Defra has introduced an import ban on susceptible products from Hungary, following confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in a herd of cattle in the country.

The department is also urging importers to ensure any product from Hungary that does arrive is kept out of the supply chain.

The country’s chief veterinary officer confirmed FMD in a dairy herd in the Gyor area of Hungary, close to the Slovakia border. Hungary has now lost its FMD free status, as a result.

In a message to stakeholders and food businesses, Defra said it was in contact with Hungarian counterparts and was working closely with the devolved governments to prevent an incursion from imported goods.

It confirmed that Great Britain (Northern Ireland is treated separately under post-Brexit rules) has suspended the import of the following commodities from Hungary:

• Live (including non-domestic) ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game) and their germplasm
• Fresh meat from ungulates
• Meat products from ungulates that have not been subject to specific treatment D1, D, C or B (including wild game)
• Milk, colostrum and their products, unless subjected to treatment as defined in Article 4 of Regulation 2010/605
• Animal by-products, unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD

Businesses requested to suspend imports

Additionally, businesses are asked to suspend imports of impacted products from Hungary, whilst the Hungarian authorities investigate the outbreak.

“If you have consignments containing impacted fresh meat, meat products or dairy products arriving into Great Britain from today, it is likely that they will be called to the Border Control Post at the point of entry by the Port Health Authority/Local Authority to undergo checks,” Defra states.

“Where goods are currently being held at the GB border due to the FMD outbreak in Hungary, Port Health Authorities and Local Authorities can support businesses to return goods to Hungary, with agreement of the veterinary authorities in the EU, using standard processes.”

Businesses are urged to contact the PHA at the port of entry where your goods are being held for information.

“Where these products have recently arrived in GB and the EHC was signed in good faith before the presence of FMD in Hungary was confirmed, we urge businesses not to put this product into the GB supply chain,” Defra adds.

“Investigations in Hungary relating to the emergence of disease and possible distribution are not complete. Much of it will be safe but the GB authorities will aim to trace and remove those products that originated close to the outbreak, in a timeframe where FMD infection or contamination was possible.

“We understand that enhanced controls for Hungarian FMD-susceptible meat products, milk and milk products from Hungary may present a challenge for traders, and we appreciate your cooperation and support for keeping Great Britain FMD-free.”