Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) remains one of the most economically disruptive animal health threats to global livestock trade.
A single outbreak can trigger immediate export bans, loss of disease-free status, and significant market instability for meat, dairy, and other animal-origin products. The result: supply chain disruptions, falling domestic prices, and increased compliance costs.
Recent developments in Greece are a clear reminder of this risk. In March 2026, FMD was confirmed on the island of Lesvos, prompting strict containment measures including livestock culling, movement bans, and a complete halt to the transport of animals and animal products from the affected area. The outbreak has already disrupted local dairy supply chains and triggered import restrictions from trading partners, highlighting how quickly trade flows can be impacted.
For exporters, the focus must be on proactive risk management:
• Strong farm-level biosecurity
• Effective disease surveillance and vaccination strategies
• Strict adherence to international sanitary standards
• Investment in traceability and certified processing systems
Export-focused partners like Amivet Exports play a critical role in this ecosystem—supporting compliance, enabling market access, and helping businesses adapt through value-added, FMD-safe products and diversified trade channels.
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Written by Chris Eglington on