Foot and Mouth disease detected in Greece
The disease was detected on a cattle farm on the island of Lesvos.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has taken action after Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) was detected in Greece.
It has confirmed that the disease was identified on a cattle farm on the island of Lesvos in Greece.
In response to the outbreak, the UK government has placed restrictions on certain commercial imports from Greece to Great Britain. It will only permit the commercial import of milk, colostrum and their products (including feta and yogurt) when they have undergone required heat treatment and are accompanied by a mandatory health certificate.
Defra states that there are no current cases of FMD in the UK, and that it will continue to implement ‘proportionate, science-based measures’ to protect animal health.
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “A case of Foot and Mouth disease has been confirmed in Greece, we are in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security.
“Livestock keepers are urged to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
This latest case follows confirmation of FMD in the port city of Larnaca in Cyprus. The disease had been detected in both cattle and sheep.
While FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, it is highly contagious among cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. In cattle it causes sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue, while cattle, sheep and pigs may develop lameness.
On 12 April 2025, Defra banned travellers from bringing cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from European Union countries to Great Britain for personal use.
More information about FMD can be found here.
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