Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) report no UK cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) as of 24 February 2026. The last domestic outbreak was in 2007. Suspected cases must be reported immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales) or via local Field Services in Scotland. (gov.uk)
Cyprus confirmed FMD on 20 February 2026, initially in cattle near Larnaca with two additional sheep premises. APHA’s Official Veterinary Surgeon notice (OVS 2026/06) confirms that, from 23 February, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance suspended imports from Cyprus of live ruminant and porcine animals via removal of the relevant certificates from the GB country listings. (gov.uk)
The same OVS notice suspends specified animal by‑products from susceptible species where originating in Cyprus, including untreated wool and hair, untreated pig bristles, certain hides and skins unless fully tanned or otherwise treated, and untreated game trophies. Traders should verify certificate availability against the current SPS country listings before shipping. (gov.uk)
Personal imports remain restricted across Europe. Since 12 April 2025 travellers entering Great Britain from the EU, EFTA states, the Faroe Islands and Greenland have been prohibited from bringing meat or dairy from FMD‑susceptible animals, with only narrow exemptions such as sealed infant formula. Defra’s 11 April 2025 notice highlights enforcement at the border, including seizure and, in serious cases in England, fines up to £5,000. (gov.uk)
Controls applied to earlier EU outbreaks were adjusted as evidence evolved. Great Britain recognised Germany as FMD‑free without vaccination on 14 May 2025 and lifted Germany‑specific commercial restrictions; Austria’s controls were amended on 24 June 2025; and Hungary was recorded as free in September 2025. Personal import restrictions remained in place. These milestones are logged on Defra’s central page. (gov.uk)
Risk posture is monitored continuously. Defra’s ‘latest situation’ page currently records the risk of FMD entering the UK as low. During the spring 2025 wave linked to Hungary and Slovakia, APHA’s rapid assessment rated the three‑month entry risk as medium due to potential ‘silent spread’ and products‑of‑animal‑origin pathways. The date stamps on risk language matter for contingency planning. (gov.uk)
FMD affects cloven‑hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids and deer; it does not infect humans. The Food Standards Agency confirms FMD is not a public health or food safety risk. The policy objective is to protect livestock health and maintain trade access rather than address human health risk. (food.gov.uk)
For livestock keepers and markets, APHA advises strict biosecurity: clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment, manage visitor access, isolate new or returning stock, and source animals responsibly. Any suspicion must be reported immediately using the APHA numbers above; agency vets will investigate and may apply temporary legal restrictions while testing is completed. (gov.uk)
For importers and hauliers, the operational steps are immediate: hold or reroute consignments of susceptible live animals and covered animal by‑products from Cyprus certified on or after 23 February 2026 until listings change, confirm certificate availability before loading, and liaise with UK Border Control Posts where consignments are in transit. This mirrors the approach taken during EU cases in early 2025. (gov.uk)
Policy communications continue to be issued through GOV.UK. Defra’s ‘latest situation’ page collates case updates, restrictions and press notices, while APHA’s outbreak assessments provide the analytical evidence base. Organisations should align internal travel, procurement and visitor guidance with the most recent update dates on these official pages. (gov.uk)