2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "Strong border controls remain vital"

25 years on from the foot-and-mouth crisis in the UK, Ashford Port Health Authority said border security controls play a critical role in maintaining national biosecurity, protecting farmers' livelihoods and supporting the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Ashford Port Health Authority's corporate director of health and well-being Anthony Baldock said: "Twenty-five years on from the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, the lessons are as relevant as ever. Strong borders, vigilant checks and close collaboration remain essential to keeping the UK safe."
Image:

Ashford Port Health Authority's corporate director of health and well-being Anthony Baldock said: "Twenty-five years on from the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, the lessons are as relevant as ever. Strong borders, vigilant checks and close collaboration remain essential to keeping the UK safe."

Maintaining and strengthening the UK's biosecurity controls has never been more important as British farming faces a difficult milestone which reshaped animal health, farms and border controls. Ashford...

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 Animal Health

FMD detected in Greece for first time in 25 years

FMD detected in Greece for first time in 25 years

UK Government said it has applied restrictions on certain Greek commercial imports to Great Britain

Chris Brayford
clock 18 March 2026 • 2 min read
How new bird flu vaccines could help stop one of the worst pandemics in human history

How new bird flu vaccines could help stop one of the worst pandemics in human history

A new UK trial testing avian influenza vaccines in turkeys aims to protect poultry from H5N1. Scientists say reducing the virus in birds may also help lower the risk of a future human pandemic

clock 05 March 2026 • 5 min read
Gov launches vaccine trial to combat bird flu

Gov launches vaccine trial to combat bird flu

Turkeys will be first birds to be vaccinated in new bid to control the disease

clock 05 March 2026 • 3 min read