FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN EUROPE

Due to the effective control, by the European Union, of the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, certain import restrictions are now being lifted from all EU states other than UK and Holland. Birds, poultry, horses, animal feed, straw, hay, grains and peat can be imported as long as the conditions laid down in the import licences are adhered to. Processed Meat (not canned) of domestic ungulates (bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine animals) can be imported once they have been certified that they have undergone a heat treatment reaching an inner core temperature of at least 70°C or if the said meats have undergone a seasoning of not less than three months.

In relation to imports from UK and Holland, the imports of horses, pets and commercial day old pullets are acceptable as long as import-licensing conditions are adhered to. The import of peat or peat potted plants are permitted provided that they are certified that they have originated from a premises at least three kilometres from the nearest FMD outbreak and are accompanied by a government phytosanitary certificate documentation that they were inspected and found free from evidence of contamination.

In relation to Agricultural Machinery or construction machinery, shipments would be allowed into Malta provided that they meet rigorous cleanliness standards and are treated with disinfectant on arrival.