In light of a confirmed outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the German state of Brandenburg, the UK Parliament convened to address biosecurity threats and the government’s preparedness to prevent the disease from entering the UK. Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, fielded questions from MPs across party lines, detailing measures to bolster the UK’s defences. We think it would be useful to summarise the various biosecurity concerns raised along with the Minister's responses.
Threat from imported animal products
Multiple MPs raised fears about the potential introduction of FMD through imported livestock and animal products. While Mr Zeichner assured Parliament that some imports have been suspended, a full suite of biosecurity measures has not been implemented. We’ve written in more detail about the measures that are missing here.
Risks from indirect FMD transmission
MP’s questions also revolved around the potential for FMD to spread via contaminated vehicles, equipment, or personal items such as footwear from areas where the outbreak has occurred. MPs asked whether measures are being taken to mitigate such risks at points of entry.
Mr Zeichner emphasised the importance of biosecurity protocols at all entry points, where surveillance has been enhanced and additional screening processes are under consideration. However, more rigorous measures like disinfectant mats for vehicle tyres and footwear have not been put in place. Livestock farmers in the UK are advised to maintain rigorous biosecurity measures.
Loopholes in cross-border biosecurity controls with Northern Ireland
Several MPs questioned whether existing biosecurity measures adequately account for the unique challenges posed by Northern Ireland’s land border with the Republic of Ireland, highlighting concerns over products transiting through different jurisdictions. Some expressed fears that Northern Ireland farms may not enjoy the same level of protection as those in Great Britain.
Mr Zeichner clarified that “the controls will apply to meat and live animals moving from a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone surrounding the affected premises in Germany.” This is different to the complete ban on all meat and dairy products from the whole of Germany entering GB. Although we hope companies will do the right thing, there is currently no way to prevent any German product from entering the GB market at the Northern Ireland sea border because goods from Northern Ireland have unfettered access to the rest of the UK under the Windsor Framework.
Combating illegal meat imports
llegal meat imports were highlighted as a persistent risk to UK biosecurity. MPs pressed for clarity on how resources and inspections are being allocated to detect and prevent illegal imports at ports and borders.
The Minister acknowledged that illegal meat imports pose a biosecurity challenge but assured MPs that the UK’s strengthened border protocols and cooperation with port health authorities are designed to mitigate this risk. He also confirmed that tackling illegal imports is a high priority for the government. This is despite a recent reduction in funding.
Calls for long-term investment in biosecurity infrastructure
Many MPs linked current biosecurity threats to a lack of long-term investment in facilities like the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) headquarters at Weybridge. They called for rugent upgrades to ensure the UK is equipped to combat future disease outbreaks. Indeed Alistair Carmichael, Chair of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee had this to say: “The state of the APHA headquarters in Weybridge is a disgrace and it is now an urgent disgrace.”
Minister Zeichner acknowledged the importance of APHA’s work and reiterated the government’s commitment to investing £200 million in the Weybridge facility. He expressed confidence in the UK's preparedness but agreed that more investment in biosecurity infrastructure is critical and promised to keep funding under review.