British authorities have slammed the brakes on imported German hams and dairy products this week after a rare case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected near Berlin โ the first in Germany since 1984. ๐๐ The ban, effective Tuesday, aims to shield UK livestock and farmers from the highly contagious animal illness.
While no cases have been reported in Britain yet, officials called the move a \"necessary shield\" for agriculture communities. \"We\u2019re acting fast to protect our farmers\u2019 livelihoods,\" a government spokesperson stated.
The outbreak originated in a water buffalo herd in Brandenburg, just outside Germany\u2019s capital. German animal health teams have quarantined the area, but global markets remain on alert. ๐๐ This comes as a blow to Germany\u2019s $47B meat industry, which exports over 4 million tons annually.
Travelers bringing meat products from Germany to the UK now face strict penalties โ so that leftover currywurst might cost more than nostalgia! ๐ญ๐ธ
Reference(s):
cgtn.com