Manx Newscast: Measures against foot and mouth disease strengthened

Manx Newscast

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has strengthened measures to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease from reaching the Island.

It comes as Germany reported one confirmed case there last week.

The department has updated legislation, which aligns with the UK, banning the commercial imports of cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, buffalo and their products.

Although no cases have been reported in the British Isles this year, previous outbreaks of the disease in 2001 and 2007, led to millions of livestock animals being slaughtered and cost the public and private sectors billions of pounds.

In this edition of Newscast, the Island's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Amy Beckett tells Manx Radio why DEFA has taken this 'robust' step.