The UK has banned the import of cattle from Germany.

Authorities in Germany have reported the country’s first case of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years.

The discovery means that Germany has now lost its status as free from foot-and-mouth disease under World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) requirements.

The loss of status comes after foot-and-mouth disease was identified in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin. German authorities say that measures are being taken to contain the highly infectious disease.

Foot-and-mouth disease, although not affecting humans, can cause fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats. As well as affecting the sale of these animals, it can also impact the yield of animal products.

In past decades, the disease has required major slaughtering campaigns to eradicate it.

The UK government has responded to the threat by imposing a ban on the import of all cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany. GB health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, or any related animal products.

There are currently no cases in the UK.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot-and-mouth disease.  
 
"We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease.
 
“I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Germany’s loss of status means that meat and dairy exports outside the European Union (EU) now face severe restrictions. Many veterinary certificates for exports outside the EU can no longer be issued, however EU rules mean that meat produced outside of the affected region can still be exported to EU countries.

The country’s federal agriculture ministry says that it ‘assumed third countries would immediately impose bans on such goods from Germany’.

Authorities in Berlin and Brandenburg have also enforced a six-day halt on transport of animals which can transmit the disease.

Image © Shutterstock