The UK government has announced an immediate ban on the import of cattle, pigs, sheep, and deer from Hungary and Slovakia after a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has implemented the ban to prevent an outbreak in British livestock, which could have devastating economic and agricultural consequences.

While farmers welcome strict biosecurity measures, some warn that the ban could disrupt meat supply chains and increase costs for UK farmers and consumers.

Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and deer. Symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Blisters on the tongue, hooves, and mouth
  • Lameness and loss of appetite

While not harmful to humans, an outbreak can cripple the livestock industry, leading to mass culling and export bans.

The UK has strict biosecurity laws in place after experiencing a devastating FMD outbreak in 2001, which resulted in:
✔ Over 6 million animals slaughtered
✔ £8 billion in economic losses
✔ Long-term damage to the rural economy

The new import ban aims to prevent a repeat of such a disaster.

Why Ban Imports from Hungary and Slovakia?

1. Outbreak Confirmed in Hungary

🚨 On March 7, 2025, the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak of FMD at a large cattle farm in central Hungary. Several infected animals had been exported to Slovakia, raising concerns that the disease could spread further into Europe.

2. Slovakia’s Risk Factor

⚠️ Since Slovakia shares open trade routes with the UK, officials fear that undetected FMD cases could have entered British markets through animal or meat imports before the outbreak was confirmed.

3. The UK’s Proactive Approach

🇬🇧 The UK has acted faster than the EU, which is still debating a regional approach to containment. DEFRA’s immediate response is designed to protect British farmers before the disease reaches UK soil.

How Will This Impact British Farmers and Meat Supply Chains?

While the ban is necessary for biosecurity, it has major implications for UK meat producers, processors, and retailers:

🔹 1. Disruptions in Meat Imports

📉 The UK imports around 20% of its beef and pork from EU countries, including Hungary and Slovakia. The ban could reduce supply, causing:
✔ Higher prices for imported meat
✔ Increased demand for UK-reared beef and pork

🔹 2. Pressure on UK Livestock Farmers

🚜 While UK farmers could benefit from higher demand, they may struggle to increase production quickly due to:
✔ Rising feed and energy costs
✔ Labour shortages in abattoirs
✔ Stricter post-Brexit export regulations

🔹 3. Food Price Increases for Consumers

🛒 Supermarkets warn that pork and beef prices could rise by 5-10% in the coming months due to import restrictions and higher production costs.

Reactions from the Farming Sector

🔊 Minette Batters, NFU President:
"This is a vital step to protect UK farms from a catastrophic disease outbreak. However, the government must ensure British farmers can meet demand without facing financial strain."

🔊 Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association:
"Supply chain disruptions are a real concern. Retailers need to work with British farmers to maintain stable pricing and prevent shortages."

🔊 UK Pig Farmers Association:
"We support this ban, but we also need immediate government support to expand UK pork production and prevent market instability."

What Happens Next?

🔎 DEFRA will monitor the FMD situation in Europe and review the ban after four weeks.

📢 The UK government is considering financial support for farmers to increase livestock production if the ban remains in place for an extended period.

🛂 Stronger border controls are being introduced at UK ports to inspect imported meat products for signs of contamination.

Conclusion: A Necessary but Challenging Decision

The UK’s import ban on livestock from Hungary and Slovakia is a proactive move to prevent a devastating FMD outbreak. While it protects British farms, it also raises concerns about meat supply and pricing in the coming months.

The question remains—will UK farmers be able to fill the gap left by imports, or will consumers face higher food prices as a result?

References:

  • DEFRA Statement on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Ban www.gov.uk
  • Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture Report on FMD Outbreak www.kormany.hu
  • National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Response www.nfuonline.com
  • British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Market Update www.bmpa.uk