Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney
Press Release
Date: 24th January 2025
Animal products and by-products imported from Germany prohibited to protect livestock from foot and mouth disease
Following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Germany, to protect local livestock from risk of infection, people returning to the Bailiwick are not permitted to bring certain animal products and by-products into the Bailiwick from European countries.
FMD poses no risk to human health.
All imports of the following animal products from pigs and ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle and goats) from Germany are prohibited:
· Fresh meat and meat products including sausages, ham, and cured meats.
· Milk and dairy products including butter and cheese.
Anyone returning to the Bailiwick from the EU (excluding Germany), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, can only import animal products from pigs and ruminants for personal consumption provided that they:
· are packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh no more than 2kg per person, and
· bear an identification or health mark (or commercial labelling if it is an animal by-product) to evidence that they are commercially produced.
These restrictions do not apply to infant milk, medical foods and certain low risk composite products (including some chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and food supplements).
If any prohibited products are imported they will be placed in the secure bins provided at the harbour and airport.
David Chamberlain, States Veterinary Officer, said:
“FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
“We urge islanders not to bring prohibited animal products to the Bailiwick from the EU to avoid introducing this virus to our local herds, which could have a devastating impact on animal health and welfare.”
Ends