James Evans has asked the Welsh Government what it is doing to prevent foot-and-mouth disease spreading to the UK.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care asked at the Senedd about the case of the disease discovered in Germany.

He said: “There are an awful lot of farmers across the country concerned about what this means for the United Kingdom and for farmers in Wales.

“I'd welcome an update from the Welsh Government on what work it’s doing with DEFRA around the control of foot-and-mouth and to stop it coming into the United Kingdom.”

The Trefnydd, Jane Hutt, said Welsh Ministers are aware of the single case of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany.

She told Mr Evans: “The chief veterinary officer and officials are working with the UK Government, the Deputy First Minister and the UK Government to protect our livestock following this unfortunate news.

“The UK Government are in close contact with German authorities to understand the outbreak and respond appropriately.

“We’ve got robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk and to protect farmers and our food security.

“That means using all measures to limit the risk of incursion and the spread of this devastating disease.”

The UK has introduced a ban on pigs, sheep and cattle imports from Germany after the case of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in the country.

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.

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

Speaking after the Senedd session, Mr Evans said: “I am very concerned to hear the news of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany. Farmers from Wales and right across the United Kingdom are rightly concerned about what this will mean for them.

“My constituency of Brecon & Radnorshire has already seen the devastating impact this dreadful disease back in 2001. With farming under so much pressure from the uncertainty around the new SFS scheme, with IHT changes, together with ongoing issues of TB and the like, there is already high levels of anxiety and stress in this sector. I would encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out to friends and access support.

“I have asked the Welsh Government for an urgent statement on how they plan to work with DEFRA around the control of livestock entering the UK from the continent.”