Farmers have 'little confidence' in Gov's ability to keep animal diseases at bay

With foot-and-mouth disease cases confirmed in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia over recent months, Defra has been urged to decisively strengthen the UK's border security

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
"Laboratory facilities are underfunded and poorly maintained, reducing the UK's ability to rapidly test and diagnose exotic diseases. If these issues are not addressed immediately, the UK will find itself catastrophically unprepared for an African swine fever or foot-and-mouth outbreak."
Image:

"Laboratory facilities are underfunded and poorly maintained, reducing the UK's ability to rapidly test and diagnose exotic diseases. If these issues are not addressed immediately, the UK will find itself catastrophically unprepared for an African swine fever or foot-and-mouth outbreak."

Border security Red meat producers have urged the Government to do all in its power to improve border security controls in the UK following the detection of foot-and-mouth and African swine fever in...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Kevin Hollinrake: "Farmers should not have to feel forgotten as they often seem to be by this Government"

EXCLUSIVE - Kevin Hollinrake: "Farmers should not have to feel forgotten as they often seem to be by this Government"

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake writes on the heroic efforts of rural communities who answered the call when wildfires struck in areas like Langdale Moor last year, and why it is an injustice that farmers face emergency situations with very little support

Kevin Hollinrake
clock 02 February 2026 • 5 min read
Impact of appetite suppressants on food industry

Impact of appetite suppressants on food industry

Food companies will need to use the consumer as their ‘compass’ to help navigate through the next 10 years as appetite suppressants continue to impact the market

Katie Jones
clock 02 February 2026 • 3 min read
Draconian planning policy hampers farm resilience as slurry season begins, says UFU

Draconian planning policy hampers farm resilience as slurry season begins, says UFU

The union says harsh weather conditions and a broken planning system have created a perfect storm for Northern Irelands farmers

clock 31 January 2026 • 2 min read