Latest news with #Middlemiss
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- 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.
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.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Used to the spotlight' - Corrie star's son swaps acting for boxing
The son of a former soap star and successful actor himself, Alfie Middlemiss is used to the drama and theatrics surrounding major boxing the 21-year-old believes the skills he developed in showbusiness will prove invaluable moving forward after deciding to abandon his burgeoning screen career and pursue one as a fighter instead."I definitely think they're transferable and should come in handy," says Middlemiss, whose father Phil played Des Barnes in Coronation Street throughout the 1990s."There are things I've learnt in that field that I can already see are going to be useful now."They can help me sell a bout and, when I get a little bit further down the line, they'll also help me in front of the television cameras."A lot of people can freeze when they're all pointed at them. I get it because it's completely out of their comfort zone."But I'm used to having that spotlight on me so it's nothing out of the ordinary." From Manchester, Middlemiss appeared destined to establish himself as a major face on UK television before suddenly deciding to follow a totally different a showreel including credits on Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, his decision shocked many within drama circles. But not, it transpires, those closest to him given his competitive streak."Acting can be tough but it's a damn sight easier than boxing," Middlemiss laughs."My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don't think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do."OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don't think, because of how I am."There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there's something about boxing which immediately grabbed me. I think it's the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it's just you and the other guy so you can't rely on anyone else."You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up."From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it's the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience."Middlesmiss, who starred alongside Sally Lindsay and Robin Asquith in the Madame Blanc Mysteries, was actually a promising cricketer before deciding to don the long fielding days put Middlesmiss off the sport, breaking his dad's heart who loved attending the lengthy matches."It's the polar opposite to boxing," Middlesmiss says. "I just fell out of love with it in the end. It was a gradual decline." Middlesmiss' parents were among a vociferous following which cheered him on during last month's points victory over Caine Singh of Middlesbrough at the Co-op Live featherweight contest, which took place on the undercard of Jack Catterall's ill-fated world title eliminator against Arnold Barboza Jr, preserved the young featherweight's unblemished professional record having beaten Jesus Gonzalez in Liverpool two months by Catterall's mentors Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis at Walkden ABC, Middlemiss proved his pedigree as an amateur by winning both the English and North West is next scheduled to be in action on the undercard of Joe Joyce's heavyweight fight with Filip Hrgovic on Saturday at the same arena as his last outing."Boxing can be a lonely sport as everything is on you," Middlemiss says."As an amateur, it can be a bit overwhelming when you get a loss or a setback."There are injuries too. I've had a few minor niggles along the way but, fortunately, nothing serious. "It's how you respond to all of that which defines you. The same as disappointments in acting or any other walk of life."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Confirmed bird flu case in Cumbria as incidents reported across the country
Bird flu has been detected in Cumbria following the confirmation of numerous cases across the country. The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in poultry at a farm near Lazonby on Saturday, March 29. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed that it was also discovered on the same day in poultry and captive birds at a premises near Romsey in Hampshire. The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss, said: "Bird keepers are reminded to continue remaining vigilant to any signs of disease. "Ensure you report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)." READ MORE: On this day: Cumbrian cows found 'chewing on balloons' | The Westmorland Gazette On Friday (March 28), avian influenza was confirmed in commercial poultry at a farm near Wymondham, Norfolk, which followed a similar report in Thirsk of North Yorkshire. Dr Middlemiss reminded UK farmers to check which requirements are expected of them, including their responsibility to implement biosecurity measures. At the start of last week, a world first was reported when bird flu was confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire after routine surveillance of livestock on a farm where avian influenza had previously been confirmed in captive birds. According to DEFRA, there was no evidence to suggest that there is an increased risk to the UK livestock population. READ MORE: Government 'rolling up sleeves' to help farmers, says Keir Starmer | The Mail The risk to humans also remains low, with chicken and eggs safe to eat if properly cooked. In January, it became mandatory for all poultry farmers and keepers in Britain to to help protect their flocks by following enhanced biosecurity measures as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). The AIPZ protocols apply to all poultry farmers and bird keepers, regardless of whether they are commercial flocks or kept as pets. If the disease is suspected, it must be reported immediately to APHA, with failure to do so considered an offence. The Agency can be contacted in England by calling 03000 200 301.
