27 October 2026: Imports of hay and straw and certain animal by-products from countries or territories not recognised as free of foot and mouth disease
Updated 28 October 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/27-october-2026-imports-of-hay-and-straw-and-certain-animal-by-products-from-countries-or-territories-not-recognised-as-free-of-foot-and-mouth-diseas
OVS note number: 2026/51
Purpose
To inform that safeguard declarations have been published restricting imports of hay and straw and certain animal by-products (ABPs) of foot and mouth disease (FMD) susceptible animals from countries or territories that are not recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as free from FMD.
Background
Following review, Defra has updated its import controls for FMD to mitigate the risk of FMD entering Great Britain through imports of hay and straw and certain ABPs.
Safeguard measures have today been published to restrict imports of hay and straw and certain ABPs of FMD-susceptible species from countries, territories or zones that are not currently recognised by WOAH as free from FMD. Certain ABPs may continue to be imported where appropriately treated to mitigate the risk of FMD. Refer to the published safeguard declarations for detailed information.
These measures replace the existing FMD safeguard measures applying to hay and straw and certain ABPs from Greece and Cyprus, which have been revoked. Greece and Cyprus are now covered by the new safeguards, alongside other countries, territories and zones that are not recognised by WOAH as free from FMD.
The restrictions are given effect in the following safeguard declarations, published on the Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues page.
- Foot and mouth disease – Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from certain third countries and territories (England)
- Foot and mouth disease – Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from certain third countries and territories (Scotland)
- Foot and mouth disease – Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from certain third countries and territories (Wales)
Imports of the animal products listed in the safeguard declaration are suspended unless they meet the relevant risk mitigation requirements specified in that declaration. This suspension does not apply to products originating from countries or zones recognised as free from foot and mouth disease, as set out in Annexes 1 and 2 of the declaration.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team