The revelation has been confirmed by DAERA, prompting the DUP’s Westminster agriculture, environment and rural affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, to accuse the government of double standards.

The Upper Bann MP said she was extremely concerned at the government’s latest betrayal. “Following confirmation of a single outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in a herd of water buffalo in Germany, I was impressed that DEFRA officials moved swiftly to protect the UK’s livestock industry against the threat of this devasting viral disease.

“However, it soon became apparent that the ban on livestock, fresh meat and animal products originating from Germany only applies in mainland GB. Germany has lost its FMD-free status, meaning export health certificates can no longer be issued for movements outside the EU.

“I was very alarmed, but not surprised, to learn that under EU internal market arrangements the export ban does not affect movements to other EU member states, which unfortunately includes Northern Ireland. Therefore, trade is still possible under the principle of ‘regionalisation’, with areas of Germany that are free from Foot and Mouth Disease.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Just a matter of weeks ago the EU (Withdrawal Arrangements) Bill was debated in the House of Commons, aiming to restore and re-affirm Northern Ireland’s placed in the United Kingdom.

“For almost four years we have been cut-off from the rest of the United Kingdom, thanks to an EU-enforced de-facto border in the Irish Sea. The EU Parliament in Brussels is a foreign jurisdiction which legislates on over 300 areas of law impacting our economy and agri-food sector. These nonsensical EU rules are causing unresolved issues on the movement animals, plants and goods on a daily basis.

“Yet, following Storm Darragh, the EU introduced a temporary suspension of some internal Irish Sea border checks on lorries coming from Cairnryan, simply to benefit and apease the ROI.”

It has been almost twenty-four-years (February 2001) since FMD caused a major crisis with other 2,000 confirmed cases in the UK, resulting in the destruction of over six million farm animals. The disease brought the country to a standstill, halting exports, closing livestock marts and stopping sporting and community events.

Since the recent emergence of FMD in Germany DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has urged livestock owners to remain vigilant in the coming days and weeks.

Carla Lockhart MP added: “DAERA confirmed that there has been no movement of susceptible species into Northern Ireland from Germany since 1^st December 2024, while it is also reassuring to know that the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that no animal movements from Germany have taken place in more than two months.

“Foot and Mouth Disease is endemic in several parts of Asia and in most of Africa and the Middle East. I am urging the public, especially those travelling to Northern Ireland and ROI from these countries, to refrain from illegally importing contaminated food products.

“FMD is not a threat to public health, but anyone who has had contact with livestock in FMD-affected countries is required to report to airport Department of Agriculture officials on arrival to undergo the necessary biosecurity precautions.”

Ms Lockhart continued: ”Northern Ireland remains under threat from Bluetongue. Being island based we are in a unique position and should be doing everything in our power to keep out FMD, BTV3 and, the pending threat from the highly pathogenic Avian flu.

“Collectively, we must do everything we can to protect Northern Ireland’s livestock industry. I am asking livestock farmers to consider the risks before importing animals from mainland Europe. I am also appealing to those involved in the illegal importation of livestock to stop and re-consider their actions.”