**Foreign Office Removes Infectious Disease Warning for British Travellers to Slovakia**
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has recently lifted its advice regarding the ‘highly contagious’ foot and mouth disease (FMD) for those planning trips to Slovakia. This update comes after a period of heightened concern throughout parts of Central Europe, with neighbouring Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany all grappling with recent outbreaks of the livestock disease.
Previously, the FCDO advised British nationals to be aware of increased checks at border crossings, particularly those between Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. In response to the animal health threat, authorities had implemented temporary closures at certain sites and ramped up inspection protocols, particularly on freight. These measures have now been pared back as officials move to relax travel and trade restrictions in line with the evolving situation.
Travellers looking for the latest details are encouraged to consult the Slovak Ministry of the Interior’s official website, though it should be noted that updates are provided exclusively in Slovak. The removal of the warning reflects improved confidence in local containment efforts, but British authorities are emphasising the need for ongoing monitoring and vigilance.
As a precautionary move to shield the UK’s agricultural sector, the UK Government had already suspended the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other hoofed animals — as well as untreated meat and dairy products — from Slovakia following earlier outbreaks. Goods such as fresh meat, milk, animal by-products, and even hay or straw from the region have faced strict prohibition since 8 March. These steps were triggered by confirmation of FMD cases near the Hungarian-Slovakian border, and remain in effect for the immediate future.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss, has stressed the importance of continued vigilance among British livestock farmers, even as no cases have been reported domestically. In light of the growing number of European outbreaks, she reaffirmed the need for stringent biosecurity and fast reporting of any suspicious symptoms to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
“It’s clear that we must remain vigilant,” said Dr Middlemiss, referencing the uptick in detected cases on the continent. “Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of the disease spreading remains our highest priority. Livestock owners are reminded to look out for signs of the disease and maintain strict biosecurity at their sites.”
The highly contagious FMD virus infects a range of cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and wild species such as deer and boar. While FMD does not present a risk to human health or the safety of food products, the economic fallout from outbreaks can be significant — restricting international trade and causing lasting damage to farming communities.
Daniel Zeichner, the UK’s Minister for Farming, weighed in on the government’s response: “Given the confirmation of FMD in yet another European nation, our decision to act quickly on imports from Slovakia has proven to be the right course. We are committed to taking any further action needed to keep this disease from spreading to the UK.”
In a related move, the government recently unveiled a £200 million investment to bolster the UK’s main research and testing capabilities at the Weybridge laboratory complex. This funding package is aimed at future-proofing the nation’s defences against animal disease threats.
Although the removal of enhanced border checks comes as a relief to many, agricultural leaders and officials alike caution that complacency is not an option. The situation remains dynamic, and continued cooperation between British and European authorities will be essential to protect both livelihoods and livestock.
The FCDO and veterinary authorities urge anyone travelling to affected areas, or importing goods from countries with active cases, to stay abreast of the latest advice and restrictions. Ultimately, ongoing vigilance and immediate reporting of any suspicious animal illnesses will remain the cornerstones of the UK’s response to this enduring livestock health threat.