Latest news with #FootandMouthDisease
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Wales Online
People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule
People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule Even food bought at the airport will fall foul of the rules from destinations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey and France. Anyone entering the UK is banned from taking foods from the EU into the country - with possible fines (Image: Getty Images ) Travellers have been warned that taking snacks through customs - even bought at the airport - could see them confiscated and fines imposed. A ban is currently in place for anyone coming back to the UK from Europe - including hotspot countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey and France. It's unlawful for travellers entering Great Britain from any EU country to carry the likes of sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk. So picking up a sarnie at the airport in Spain and trying to take it back to the UK could get you in trouble, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has said. The new laws which were introduced this year are still in place, officials have confirmed, as the holiday season really starts to get underway as June arrives. Current rules enforce that anyone caught importing items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk into Great Britain will face enforcement actions at customs. Border officials will be on the lookout for contraband food items, with those caught having to either give them up or watch as they're confiscated and disposed of. Officials warn, 'In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.' With foot and mouth disease (FMD) case numbers on the rise across Europe, the UK Government has introduced bans to curb the spread. The prohibition, aimed to protect domestic animal health, farmer livelihoods and UK food security, applies to importing meat and dairy products from cows, sheep, goats, and pigs from the EU for personal use. Officials have confirmed that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses no risk to humans, and there are currently no cases in the UK. However, it is a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas. Article continues below The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock. FMD can cause substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy. In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year, the Government has already prohibited personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products from these countries. The new restrictions apply solely to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated at the launch: 'This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain's food Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: '. Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, has issued a warning: 'Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.' He further emphasised the Government's readiness by stating: 'Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.' The restrictions have exceptions, however, as Dr Martin-Almagro explains: 'A limited set of exemptions from these rules in place. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.' Article continues below For more information click here..
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Quarantine issue halts import of giraffes, rhinos
The Punjab Wildlife Department's ambitious plan to import exotic animals for the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has encountered a major obstacle, as the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld clearance for the arrival of giraffes, rhinos, and a hippopotamus from South Africa. The delay marks another setback in the department's broader revamping initiative, which has already seen the suspension of a separate elephant import project. Although several birds and animals have already been procured from domestic and international sources, the import of larger, high-profile species - including 12 giraffes (nine for the Safari Park and three for the Zoo), three rhinos (a pair for the Safari and one for the Zoo), and a male hippopotamus - remains in limbo. Director of the Revamping Project, Mudassar Hassan, confirmed that the federal Ministry of Climate Change has already issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the import of various species, including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, nyala antelopes, and zebras. However, the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld final approval, citing disease control concerns - particularly the risk of introducing the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus into Pakistan. Officials from the Animal Quarantine Department explained that health certificates accompanying the animals are under close scrutiny. "We must ensure full compliance with Pakistan's import health standards," one official said. "If the documentation falls short, additional verification will be requested. This is a routine precaution to protect the country's livestock from foreign diseases." The department's concern stems from the ongoing presence of the FMD virus in several African countries, including South Africa. While the virus has not been reported in Pakistan, authorities are wary of the potential for an outbreak if infected animals are imported. As a precautionary measure, a temporary ban has reportedly been imposed on the import of large animals from South Africa. The Quarantine Department has also advised Punjab Wildlife officials to consider alternate sourcing from countries certified free of FMD - an option project leaders say is difficult to implement. "These species are not readily available in other countries, nor are there sufficient surplus animals," Mudassar Hassan explained. "In addition, only South Africa currently has the specialized cargo infrastructure necessary to transport such large animals." Hassan further noted that a comprehensive quarantine protocol has been proposed: animals would first undergo health monitoring in South Africa, followed by a 15- to 30-day quarantine upon arrival in Pakistan. He also emphasised that the specific FMD strain in question has never been reported in rhinos or hippos and that these animals would be housed in isolated zoo and safari environments, far from livestock. Meanwhile, WWF Pakistan's Dr Uzma Khan raised ethical concerns, urging the government to ensure that imported animals come from captive breeding programs and not the wild. "Animals caught from the wild often suffer in captivity," she warned. "It is crucial to source from certified breeding farms or zoos in disease-free countries to ensure their wellbeing and ease of adaptation."
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Import of Giraffes, Rhinos, Hippos for Lahore zoo delayed over quarantine issues
Listen to article The Punjab Wildlife Department faces yet another hurdle in its animal import plans as the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld clearance for the import of giraffes, rhinos, and hippos from South Africa. The ambitious initiative to bring in large exotic animals for Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has now been delayed indefinitely, following a similar suspension of the elephant import project. Punjab Wildlife officials remain hopeful, however, that the situation will be resolved soon, enabling the arrival of the animals as part of the ongoing revamping of Lahore's zoological facilities. Several birds and animals have already been procured both domestically and internationally for Lahore Zoo and Safari Park. However, the import of major species — including 12 giraffes (nine for the Safari and three for the Zoo), three rhinos (one for the Zoo and a pair for the Safari), and one male hippopotamus for the Zoo — has been delayed. According to Mudassar Hassan, Director of the Revamping Project, while the federal Ministry of Climate Change has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the import of several species including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, nyala antelopes, and zebras — excluding elephants — the Animal Quarantine Department has yet to grant final approval due to concerns over disease risk. Officials from the Animal Quarantine Department told Express News that health certificates for the animals being imported from South Africa are currently under review to ensure compliance with Pakistan's import regulations. 'If the existing health certificates do not meet the required standards, we will seek additional verification from the importers,' an official said. 'This is a purely procedural matter, intended to ensure that no foreign disease enters the country.' The department is particularly cautious about the presence of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in several African countries, including South Africa. While this strain is not currently present in Pakistan, officials fear that its introduction could pose a serious threat to the local livestock industry. Sources confirm that a temporary ban has been placed on the import of giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and other large animals from South Africa as a precautionary measure due to the FMD risk. The Quarantine Department has advised Punjab Wildlife to explore alternative countries for animal procurement, preferably those free from the FMD virus. However, Mudassar Hassan pointed out that this suggestion is difficult to implement. 'These species are either not available in other countries or are not surplus,' he said. 'Moreover, only South Africa has the cargo aircraft infrastructure needed for transporting such large animals.' He added that the Wildlife Department has proposed a quarantine plan under which the animals will undergo initial quarantine in South Africa, followed by another 15- to 30-day quarantine period upon arrival in Pakistan. 'Furthermore, the specific strain of FMD virus being cited has never been reported in rhinos or hippos,' he stated. 'It is also important to note that these animals will be housed in zoos and safari parks, not in proximity to livestock.' While the positions of Punjab Wildlife and the Animal Quarantine Department differ, WWF Pakistan's representative, Dr. Uzma Khan highlighted another important issue — the source of the animals. 'We should import animals from zoos, not directly from the wild,' she said. 'It is difficult to confirm whether imported animals are wild-caught or captive-bred, especially in African countries.' Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of following legal and ethical protocols. 'It is preferable to procure animals from zoos, safari parks, or certified breeding farms in FMD-free countries, as these animals adapt better to captivity,' she said. 'In contrast, wild-caught animals often suffer stress and illness when confined.' Another critical concern is the fiscal timeline. If the animals are not imported within the current financial year, the funds allocated for the project will lapse under public finance regulations. However, Project Director Mudassar Hassan remains optimistic that the imports will proceed in time. 'Discussions are underway to extend the import deadline,' he said. 'I can't say anything definitive yet, but we expect to deliver good news to the public very soon.' Launched in 2023 under the caretaker government, the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park Revamping Project was allocated nearly Rs. 5 billion. The success of the animal imports is seen as a crucial milestone in the project's progress.
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New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Health Ministry rolls out free whooping cough jabs for expectant mothers
PUTRAJAYA – The Health Ministry is now offering free tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines – commonly known as Tdap – to pregnant Malaysian women. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the rollout would begin today. "There have been no cases this year. However, last year, we recorded two cases of pertussis – one child survived, the other did not. Just imagine losing a child at such a tender age – and they had not been immunised," he said at a press conference. The Tdap vaccine, which provides protection for both mother and baby, is now available at all Health Ministry facilities offering maternal and child health services. This marks an upgrade from the ministry's previous vaccination programme for expectant mothers, which only covered tetanus. The Tdap vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy. Dzulkefly also warned that vaccine refusal could result in the resurgence of diseases that are now rarely seen. "The ministry has received reports of diphtheria, polio, and measles. If we can secure the support and cooperation of parents, we can sustain herd immunity," he said. Despite rising misinformation and disinformation online regarding vaccines, 95 per cent of children in Malaysia have received full immunisation in accordance with the National Immunisation Programme guidelines issued by the ministry. "It's not just about preventing disease – it's about preventing death," he added. As of yesterday, 97,355 senior citizens with chronic conditions have benefited from the ministry's free influenza vaccination programme, which began on 18 February this year. On a separate matter, Dzulkefly said the ministry's preparedness to respond to a recent rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, in light of similar surges in neighbouring countries.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Livestock restrictions in Langkawi after Foot and Mouth Disease detected
LANGKAWI: The Veterinary Services Department has restricted livestock movement in and out of Ulu Melaka here following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) affecting 37 cattle. Its state director, Dr Shaharul Amar Talib, said the restriction began on May 19 and would continue until further notice. He said comprehensive control measures were being implemented to curb the disease, which could severely impact the livestock industry, a concern as Hari Raya Aidiladha nears. "The first case was detected on May 10 in Kampung Baru Ulu Melaka after several farmers began noticing unusual symptoms among their cattle. "A report was made to the Langkawi Veterinary Services Department on May 13. An investigation was launched the same day. "Inspections found five out of 37 cattle reared by five farmers showing signs of FMD infection." Dr Shaharul said symptoms included lesions and blisters around the mouth and hooves, excessive drooling and general lethargy. Further investigations found that the infected cattle had not received the required twice yearly FMD vaccinations. "Other livestock in the area that are fully vaccinated showed no signs of the disease," he said. Farmers nearby were advised not to enter the restricted area and to strictly observe farm biosecurity practices. This includes cleaning and disinfecting before and after entering livestock areas, as well as limiting access to visitors. The Veterinary Services Department has launched a vaccination programme for unvaccinated livestock, particularly in Kampung Baru Ulu Melaka, to strengthen protection against infection.
