Diseases on the move

The spread of diseases such as bluetongue virus, foot-and-mouth, avian flu and swine fever across the globe can be directly attributable to the live transportation of farm animals. The containment of disease becomes impossible whilst long distance transport continues.

How disease is spread

Moving livestock long distances to markets and slaughter houses within the UK can spread infectious diseases between animals around the country. As animals are transported from country to country, and with few medical checks, diseases can spread great distances at an alarming rate.

In late 2007, a number of cattle imported from continental Europe were discovered to be infected with bluetongue virus on arrival in the UK. They were only tested on arrival, not before they began their journeys.

The 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth demonstrated the devastating effect that live transportation can have on the spread of disease.

The long distance transport of live animals is a global issue.