Guernsey vets urge ban on meat and dairy from EU

Foot and mouth disease poses no risk to human health, officials said

States veterinary officers and the Guernsey Border Agency are asking people not to import any meat or dairy products for personal use or consumption into the Bailiwick from the EU.

This is to protect local livestock from risk of infection from foot and mouth disease (FMD), however the disease poses no risk to human health, said the officials.

It follows the UK Government's decision to ban personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU.

Veterinary officers said they would be asking the committee for home affairs for a formal prohibition to be introduced as soon as possible.

FMD is a highly infectious virus that causes blisters inside an animal's mouth and under their hooves, and can cause lameness and problems with feeding.

Any products of animal origin, like meat and dairy, could potentially be contaminated with FMD.