UK Suspends Trade Of Live Cattle & Sheep From France

The UK has stopped bringing live cattle, sheep, and goats from France because of a serious disease called Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Currently, there are no vaccines for EHD.

The UK has stopped bringing live cattle, sheep, and goats from France due to a disease called Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which can be fatal to cows. This disease, previously seen in Spain, Portugal, and southern Italy, has now emerged in southern France. It spreads to hoofed animals through infected midges.

Warmer summers linked to climate change may have contributed to more outbreaks in Europe. Although the UK’s risk of infection is considered low, measures are being taken to prevent it. There are currently no vaccines for EHD.

What Is EHD?

• EHD, first found in the US in the 1950s, has spread to parts of Africa and the Middle East.
• It was first detected in Europe on the Italian island of Sardinia last year.
• Scientists suspect infected midges were carried to Sardinia from North Africa by the wind.
• While EHD doesn’t affect humans or food safety, it can be deadly to deer, cattle, sheep, and goats. There are no vaccines available.
• Symptoms in cattle include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and a skin rash on the udder.

Spread of the Disease In France

The disease was recently reported for the first time in southwest France, with 19 outbreaks in two areas of the French Pyrenees region. These cases were near recent outbreaks in Spain’s Huesca province and the Basque Country.

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Experts say the midges carrying the virus can travel up to 150km in one day under favorable wind conditions. It’s unclear how the virus crossed the Pyrenees mountains.

Impact Of Live Cattle Ban

The suspension of trade is expected to have a significant impact on French farmers. France is a major exporter of live cattle and sheep, and the UK is one of its largest customers. The suspension is expected to cost French farmers millions of euros. According to HRMC data, the UK imported £4 million worth of live cattle directly from France last year.

The French government has criticized the UK’s decision, saying that it is disproportionate and that it will have a negative impact on the French economy. The government has also said that it is working with the UK government to find a solution to the issue.

The suspension of trade is a reminder of the challenges that can arise in cross-border trade, especially when it comes to agricultural products. It is important for governments to work together to minimize disruptions to trade, while also protecting the health of their livestock.