Foot-and-Mouth Disease alert: Malta imposes import ban, strict controls
Emergency measures 'to protect animal health, agriculture sector, food security'
Malta is introducing a set of emergency measures to safeguard against the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease serotype SAT 1, including a strict ban on imports of ruminants and swine from outside the European Union.
A notice issued by the Food Safety and Security Authority on Friday said the measures will be introduced “with immediate effect” in response to the spread of the disease in Europe.
The “precautionary measures” are being adopted after recent outbreaks in Cyprus and Greece, to “protect animal health, safeguard the agricultural sector, and ensure food security”, the FSSA said.
Cyprus has been battling an outbreak of FMD - a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle, pigs, sheep and goats – since December. In March, Greece reported cases on the island of Lesvos.
Earlier this month, the World Organisation for Animal Health had called for “enhanced vigilance”.
The measures come after boat owners were told to burn food waste rather than disposing of it in the sea, land or aerial territory of the Maltese Islands. The warning is extended also to aircraft.
The key emergency measures, which took effect on April 21, include mandatory quarantine of 14 days for all entries into Malta of ruminants and swine from European Union member states, at the expense of the owner.
Imports of ruminants and swine from outside the EU is “strictly prohibited”.
People who have been through a protection or surveillance zone will be banned from visiting any location where ruminants or swine are kept for 14 days from arrival in Malta.
Vehicles transporting animals will not be permitted entry into Malta is they have transited through protection or surveillance zones.
Meanwhile, the movement of ruminants and swine within Malta is prohibited unless authorised by the Chief Veterinary Officer.
All farms holding ruminants or swine will need to follow enhanced biosecurity measures.
Products or objects derived from ruminants or swine originating from risk zones will be banned from entering Malta for both commercial and personal use.
Measures have also been introduced for non-susceptible species originating from risk zone, including hoof cleaning and incineration of excrement.
Petting farms hosting ruminants and swine will remain closed to the public while the measures are in force.