Latest news with #ChristineMiddlemiss
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Holiday-makers face £5,000 for buying sandwiches at Duty Free on way home
Brits have been warned they could face a £5,000 fine and prosecution if they bring two common items back into the UK from their summer holiday - even if they were purchased at duty free British holidaymakers have been cautioned they could be hit with a hefty £5,000 penalty and face prosecution for bringing back two everyday items from their summer getaway - even if purchased duty-free. Travellers are now prohibited from returning with untreated meat and dairy products from overseas in fresh measures designed to halt the spread of Foot and Mouth disease. This means it's now against the law to transport lamb, pork, mutton and goat meat along with any products containing them, including sandwiches. The restriction also covers cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches featuring any of these components. The prohibition extends to items that are packaged or purchased at airports, reports the Express. Foot and Mouth disease is described as a "highly contagious viral disease" capable of killing cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed livestock. The infection can be transmitted through animal products and spreads rapidly, authorities have cautioned. A recent surge of cases affecting Hungary, Austria and Germany has prompted the UK's chief veterinarian to urge Britons to adhere to the fresh regulations. The illness can also trigger catastrophic economic consequences, with the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001 estimated to have cost £15 billion in disease control expenses alone. Any passengers discovered with the prohibited goods must hand them over at the border, or risk having them confiscated and destroyed. In certain circumstances, individuals could face a £5,000 fine in England, or prosecution throughout Great Britain. The ban, introduced in April, is set to remain until the "personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB". However, the restrictions do not apply to those arriving into Great Britain from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, has urged holidaymakers to help protect farmers. She said: "I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation." Middlemiss further added: "This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals." On 24 July, Baroness Hayman, the biosecurity minister, said: "We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country-doing so puts farmers' livelihoods at risk." She also mentioned that the ban reflects a "clear determination to safeguard our borders" and "maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth disease is essential". Symptoms of Foot and Mouth disease vary depending on the animal, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue, a fever, reluctance to feed, and lameness. Meanwhile, in pigs and sheep, the signs are usually lameness and blistering. Farmers who suspect their livestock may have Foot and Mouth disease are urged to report it immediately by dialling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or contacting the local Field Services Office in Scotland.
Agriland
12-06-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Defra: Badger TB vaccinations up 24% across England in 2024
In a significant drive to end the UK badger cull, tuberculosis (TB) vaccinations administered to badgers in England increased by almost a quarter to reach a record high in 2024, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra said that 4,110 badgers were given the TB vaccine in England last year, an increase of 1,000 vaccinations in comparison to 2023. That is up 24% on vaccinations in 2023. The department added that a new Badger Vaccination Field Force is set to come into force next year in attempts to increase badger vaccination and drive down TB rates. The latest figures published by the department suggest there was a significant reduction in the culling of badgers in 2024 (down 12% compared to 2023), That brings the numbers down to half the amount culled during the peak of the policy. However, the department added that bovine TB (bTB) remains of the most challenging and costly animal diseases across the UK. According to Defra, bTB has led to the compulsory slaughtering of over 278,000 cattle and the culling of 230,000 badgers since 2013, costing taxpayers £100 million yearly. Positive outlook Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Daniel Zeichner said; ''Bovine tuberculosis has devastated British farmers and wildlife for far too long. 'It has placed dreadful hardship and stress on farmers who continue to suffer the loss of valued herds and has taken a terrible toll on our badger populations. 'We promised a comprehensive TB eradication package, which will allow us to end the badger cull by the end of this parliament, and that this what we are delivering – with today's figures showing the clear progress we are making.' UK chief veterinary officer (CVO), Dr. Christine Middlemiss said; 'Bovine tuberculosis is one of the most difficult and prolonged animal disease challenges we face, causing devastation for farming communities. 'The disease is on a very positive downward trajectory following years of hard work.' On going herd breakdown across the UK. Source ibTB The government announced their plans for this TB eradication programme last August in an attempt to end the badger cull across England and Wales. Since then, a substantial badger population survey took place in February, the first in over a decade. More surveying is scheduled later this year. As well as this, the government is field-trialling cattle vaccination against TB in areas of England and Wales where there is a low incidence of bTB, with the next phase set to take place this summer
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Foreign Office issues update on infectious disease warning in European holiday spot
Foreign Office issues update on infectious disease warning in European holiday spot The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has previously shared information which Brits need to know about to protect them from what has been described as the 'highly contagious' foot and mouth disease Model of a foot and mouth disease virus capsid. (Image: Martin McCarthy ) The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has now removed their warning to Brits need about what they needed to know about to protect them from what has been described as the "highly contagious" foot and mouth disease if they are travelling to Slovakia. Previously, the FCDO had warned British travellers that there were increased vehicle inspection measures, especially on freight vehicles, and the temporary closure of some crossing points on the Austrian and Hungarian borders, however they have now announced that these measures have been lifted. You can stay up to date with the wider situation by monitoring Slovak Ministry of the Interior's website (in Slovak only). For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The UK Government had already intervened to halt the commercial import from Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non-domestic ruminants such as deer, along with their untreated products like fresh meat and dairy. This measure is designed to protect farmers and their livestock. Since March 8, travellers to the UK have been banned from bringing meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by-products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia following a case on the Hungarian border with Slovakia. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has also asked livestock keepers to be extra watchful for signs of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following recent occurrences in Hungary, Germany, and now Slovakia. The UK remains unaffected by the condition at the moment. Article continues below Human health and food safety are not at risk from FMD, yet it's an extremely infectious virus impacting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed beasts including wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. It's crucial for livestock managers to maintain stringent biosecurity measures. The economic impact of FMD is also serious, with production losses in affected livestock as well as restricted access to international markets for animals, meat, and dairy products from countries battling the outbreak. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: "Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation." She also expressed concerns over the unsettling number of foot and mouth incidents on the continent, noting: "We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms." "Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded 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." Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated: "With disease now confirmed in Slovakia, it is clear the Government's precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one. "The confirmation of a Foot and Mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease. "Ensuring the safety of our livestock sector and protecting our farmers will always be a top priority. "This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK's main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease." Article continues below
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
DEFRA to extend bluetongue restriction zone to all of England
The bluetongue virus restricted zone will be extended from July 1 to cover the whole of England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed. The decision will end movement restrictions for animals and allowing farmers to move cattle, sheep, all ruminants, camelids, throughout England without movement tests. The department said the move follows consultation between industry and scientists recognising that the area of England where disease has been found is now too large for movement restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of controlling the disease. This new approach aligns with the approach taken throughout the EU. DEFRA said it will also allow a renewed focus on resources on higher priority disease risks, which now presents a greater risk to industry, such as Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever. Bluetongue Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild and animals have recovered. Many areas of England are now affected by bluetongue and safe and effective vaccines are available. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines are available and farmers are being encouraged to discuss their use with their vet as vaccination is the most effective way to protect livestock from bluetongue. Commenting on the decision to extend the restriction zone, UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: 'Through movement controls we have slowed the westerly spread of bluetongue until vaccines are available. 'We are now moving away from government imposed movement controls which are costly and disruptive to farming particularly those within the zones. 'An all-England restriction zone will allow livestock farmers currently impacted by burdensome restrictions to be on equal footing with rest of England. 'We encourage all farmers and keepers to discuss the use of BTV-3 vaccines to protect their herds and flocks with their private vet as this is the most effective way of protecting susceptible species. 'I urge all livestock keepers to report suspect disease. It is especially important to remember that foot and mouth disease and bluetongue can have similar clinical presentation.' Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. Farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately. They should also make sure their animals and land are registered with Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) so keepers can be kept informed and animals easily located
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Mad cow disease case found in UK - this is what we know
Mad cow disease case found in UK - this is what we know The Government said there was no risk to public health A non-contagious case of what is known as 'mad cow disease' has been identified on a British farm (Image: PA ) A case of what is known as 'mad cow disease' has been identified on a British farm. The discovery of a non-contagious case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was identified on a farm in Essex, leading to the animal being humanely culled, according to the Government. The Government has said there is no risk to public health, as it was not intended to enter the food chain. It was an 'atypical' strand of the disease, according to the Animal and Plant Health Agency, meaning it will not affect food safety. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss explained how the animal was tested as part of its "strict routine controls and surveillance regime." The cow was humanely culled after showing symptoms and subsequently tested positive. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Only one case was identified by the agency, and had occurred 'spontaneously'. Article continues below In the 1990s, an epidemic of BSE saw millions of cattle culled in the UK. Ms Middlemiss said: "Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease which is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. "This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working." BSE mainly affects cattle and can be detected by looking closely for behavioural changes. Other things to look out for include incoordination and nervousness or aggression. The latest incident comes just months after a single case of BSE was detected at a farm in Scotland. Article continues below The disease was identified on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway in December last year. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
