The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to a reported case of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany.

The disease was discovered in a water buffalo on a farm in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg in the east of the country on January 10. This is the first case of foot and mouth disease in Germany for almost 40 years.

While it rarely affects humans, foot-and-mouth is highly contagious in pigs, sheep and cattle, as well as other cloven-hoofed animals.

In response to the case, the UK Government has announced it is banning the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany. It was also confirmed import health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, including for all live animals and fresh meat.

FUW President, Ian Rickman, said: "The recent case of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany will be a source of concern for livestock farmers across Europe.

“The news will inevitably rekindle memories of the far-reaching impact the disease had on the agriculture sector and the countryside as a whole over two decades ago in 2001, and acts as a timely reminder of the importance of thorough checks at our borders so that this disease is not imported into the UK.

“We welcome the steps that have been initially pursued by German authorities, together with the decision by UK Government to ban the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany. We will keep a close eye as the situation develops, and encourage livestock keepers to remain vigilant.”