Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) updated their ‘Foot and mouth disease: latest situation’ notice on 17 March 2026. As at 18 March 2026, the UK assesses the risk of FMD entering the country as low and confirms no current UK cases. (gov.uk)
FMD is a notifiable animal disease. Suspicions must be reported immediately to APHA by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland. (gov.uk)
Officials reiterate that FMD affects cloven‑hoofed animals-cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids and deer-but is not a public health or food safety risk. Livestock keepers are asked to stay alert to clinical signs and to maintain good on‑farm biosecurity. (gov.uk)
While there are no UK cases, European confirmations since 2025 include Germany (January 2025), Hungary (March 2025), Slovakia (March 2025), Cyprus (February 2026) and, most recently, Greece (March 2026). The last UK outbreak was in 2007. (gov.uk)
Personal imports remain tightly controlled. Travellers may not bring meat or dairy products from cattle, sheep, pigs or goats into Great Britain if those goods are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands or Greenland. Limited exemptions exist for specified infant and medical foods. (gov.uk)
Commercial trade measures are in force. Great Britain has restrictions on hay and straw, live FMD‑susceptible animals, and several derived products-germplasm; fresh meat; meat products unless suitably heat treated; milk and dairy unless suitably treated; animal by‑products such as pet food; and casings-from Cyprus, with measures for Greece being prepared following confirmation there. (gov.uk)
Defra’s Cyprus notice also clarifies that commercial imports of cheese, including halloumi, can continue where products meet the heat‑treatment standard and are accompanied by the mandated health certificate. Personal imports of such products remain prohibited. (gov.uk)
APHA’s risk rating is supported by published outbreak assessments, including analyses of cases in Germany, and assessments covering Hungary and Slovakia alongside regional updates for North Africa and the Middle East. (gov.uk)
For importers and hauliers, the immediate task is to verify origin and treatment status before booking consignments, check product lines that include casings or animal by‑products, and ensure paperwork and health certification align with the latest declarations. For farmers and veterinary practices, reinforce biosecurity protocols, keep isolation facilities ready for incoming stock, and make reporting information prominent for staff.
Policy Wire will monitor any safeguard declarations issued for Greece and note consequential changes to permitted commodities. Until then, the government’s current guidance remains the operative reference for travellers and commercial operators, alongside routine compliance and enforcement at ports.