New Zealand officials are always closely watching foot and mouth disease (FMD) situations, and so are we at KVH. There are many integrated kiwifruit and dairy farming sites connecting the industry to FMD risk, and we will be planning soon for how we ensure industry preparedness if affected.

FMD is a highly contagious virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.

In terms of current international risk changes, Biosecurity New Zealand is closely monitoring outbreaks in Germany and Hungary.

The disease was confirmed in a small herd of water buffalo in Germany on 10 January – the first outbreak in the country since 2011. On 7 March, Hungary reported an outbreak in a dairy cattle herd near its border with Slovakia.

German, Hungarian and Slovakian authorities have introduced a range of control measures to stop the spread, including halting the movement of animals and animal products from the affected areas, culling and disposing of affected animals, and establishing restricted zones.

Biosecurity New Zealand introduced extra risk assessment measures for animal product imports from Germany and for travellers arriving from Europe following the first outbreak. They have since introduced additional checks for passengers and animal products arriving from Hungary and Slovakia. New Zealand imports very low volumes of animal product from these countries.