UK foot and mouth disease risk low; Cyprus import rules

If you’re seeing ‘FMD’ in the headlines and worrying what it means for you, take a breath. Foot and mouth disease affects animals, not people. The UK currently has no cases and officials assess the risk of FMD entering the country as low; the guidance was last updated on 23 February 2026. (gov.uk)

Which animals are we talking about? Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids such as alpacas and llamas, and deer. Our job, as travellers and countryside users, is to help stop disease crossing borders by being careful with what we bring in and how we move around farms. (gov.uk)

Across Europe there have been confirmed cases in Cyprus in February 2026, and in 2025 in Slovakia, Hungary and Germany. The last UK outbreak was in 2007, a reminder of why border and farm hygiene rules matter. (gov.uk)

For personal travel, the rule is simple: do not bring meat or dairy products from cows, sheep, pigs or goats into Great Britain if they come from the EU, EFTA states, the Faroe Islands or Greenland. Plan snacks and gifts accordingly and read the GOV.UK guidance before you pack. (gov.uk)

There are a few tightly‑drawn exceptions, such as powdered infant milk, infant food or specialist medical foods that do not need refrigeration and are in sealed branded packaging. If that’s you, check the details on the GOV.UK page and keep everything in its original packet. (gov.uk)

If you trade in animals or animal products, extra controls are in place because of the Cyprus outbreak. Imports into Great Britain are restricted for hay and straw; any live FMD‑susceptible animals; and products from these animals including germplasm, fresh meat, certain meat products unless suitably heat treated, milk and dairy unless suitably treated, animal by‑products such as pet food, and casings. Follow Defra and APHA’s topical issues guidance for the latest. (gov.uk)

What to do if you keep livestock: stay alert to signs, maintain good biosecurity, and report immediately. Call 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or your local Field Services Office in Scotland. Early reporting helps protect neighbouring farms and the wider rural economy. (gov.uk)

Public health note we all should share: FMD is not a public health or food safety risk. You cannot catch it from animals or food, but animals can pay the price if we carry the virus through banned foods or contaminated kit. Stick to the rules and encourage friends to do the same. (gov.uk)

What this means for you on a trip: pack alternatives to cured meats and soft cheeses, declare anything you’re unsure about at the border, and arrive with clean footwear and luggage if you’ve visited farms abroad. APHA’s advice to ‘practise good biosecurity’ covers simple steps like these. (gov.uk)

Finally, be media‑literate. Today is 24 February 2026. The UK has no FMD cases, Cyprus reported cases this month, and border rules on meat and dairy remain in force. Share accurate updates and the reporting numbers above so we all help keep herds safe. (gov.uk)