BVA Reiteraties Call for Action on Illegal Imports

20 February 2002

At its Executive Committee meeting today (Wednesday) the Officers of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) expressed considerable concern at the latest reports on illegal imports of meat entering the UK. BVA Vice-President Mr Peter Jinman said 'to hear, on the first anniversary of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain, that spot-checks on passengers' hand luggage at Gatwick and Heathrow have uncovered up to 400 kg of meat products defies belief. And this on the back of the recent disclosure, at the Brussels FMD conference, of Germany having found 4000 tonnes in one week. Some seven years ago we pointed out that the completion of the Single Market posed an increased risk of importing disease, particularly when coupled with cutbacks in staff at airports and ports. Subsequently we have had both Classical Swine Fever and FMD. As the then BVA President said at the BVA Congress last year a major review of import controls is long overdue. Better controls are needed and they are needed now.'

Notes for Editors:

1. For further information please contact Chrissie Nicholls or Helena Cotton at the BVA on 020 7636 6541.

Download file  pr_illegalimp_200202.pdf

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