Foot-and-mouth disease European outbreaks

Updated 18 March 2026

Following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Cyprus and Greece, we are closely monitoring the situation and assessing its potential impact on UK agriculture.

An outbreak of FMD was confirmed in cattle and sheep in Cyprus on 20 February 2026. An outbreak was reported in Greece on 16 March 2026.

There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

“Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security.

“Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Further information on the outbreaks in Cyprus and Greece is available from Defra.

FMD was confirmed in a 1,400-head dairy cattle herd in Kisbajcs in the north-west of Hungary and reported to WOAH on 7 March 2025.

The Slovak Government subsequently reported three cases of the disease close to the Slovakian–Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle.

Following effective disease controls, WOAH restored Hungary's official FMD-free status with effect from 10 September 2025, and Slovakia’s official FMD-free status from 31 October 2025.

January 2025: Germany

FMD was confirmed in a 14-head herd of water buffalo in Germany in the state of Brandenburg on 10 January 2025.

The UK Government announced on Tuesday 14 January it was stepping up measures to prevent the spread of FMD virus, including a ban on the import of live cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany as well as restrictions on products of animal origin to protect farmers and their livelihoods.

The Government has also issued EU-wide restrictions on the import of certain products for personal use.

Following effective disease control, as of 14 April 2025, Germany regained their FMD-free status from WOAH.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact the Field Services Office.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD.

There are no cases in the UK currently.

It is essential for livestock owners and producers to maintain sound biosecurity practices to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus:

• Check with visitors if they have recently travelled to countries affected by FMD outbreaks
• Control access to livestock by people and equipment
• Control the introduction of new animals to existing stock
• Maintain regular cleaning and disinfection of livestock pens, buildings, vehicles and equipment; use a Defra-approved disinfectant
• Monitor and report illness
• Appropriately dispose of manure and carcases

Source: World Organisation for Animal Health