The Ripple Effects of Animal Disease Outbreaks on Traders and Logistics
Animal disease outbreaks, whether it is foot and mouth (FMD), avian influenza (bird flu), or lumpy skin disease (LSD), can have far-reaching effects beyond the farm. These incidents often trigger immediate responses such as movement restrictions, border closures, and heightened inspections. The result is a ripple effect across global trade, from disrupted supply chains to shifts in import and export patterns. Some of us are old enough to remember FMD in the UK, which cost the UK economy £8bn. Images of fields of burning carcasses plagued the news for months, and the very thought of FMD coming back to the UK is enough to send shivers down the spines of every farmer.
More recently, but just across the water, is Europe’s first outbreak of lumpy skin disease, which has prompted strict regional controls and raised new concerns across Europe’s livestock trade. It’s not every day a cow’s skin condition makes international headlines, but when diseases like FMD, bird flu, or LSD hit, global trade feels the jolt.
Recently, France confirmed its first-ever LSD outbreak on a cattle farm in Savoie, following fresh cases in Italy’s Sardinia and Lombardy. The result? Immediate movement bans and trade disruptions. These outbreaks don’t just affect livestock; they trigger border closures, shake up supply chains, and leave customs teams scrambling. Animal disease outbreaks impact far more than agriculture. For traders, freight forwarders, and logistics providers, these events can trigger sudden trade restrictions, risk re-classifications, and new customs requirements that disrupt entire supply chains.
The most recent outbreak in Europe is that of LSD, originating from a small farm in Sardinia and later spreading to northern Italy and the south of France.
Let’s take a deep dive into FMD as it has come full circle, from total bans to regionalisation to restrictions lifted in the space of a few months.
Rapid Trade Restrictions That Disrupt Supply ChainsOne of the first responses to an outbreak is the imposition of trade bans. After the January 2025 FMD was discovered in a herd of water buffalo in Germany, Great Britain suspended imports of live animals, fresh meat, raw milk, hides, and untreated animal products from Germany as a whole. Similar restrictions were applied later in the year following foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. After the initial introduction of controls, eventually regional restrictions were imposed in Germany, with only susceptible consignments originating from the initial infected zone being restricted. Imports from Austria have also recently resumed. While FMD was never detected there, an outbreak on the Hungarian side of the border was enough for the UK authorities to impose a total ban. Slovakia and Hungary are still under severe restrictions, as the outbreak is still not under control. These actions are based on live risk assessments by UK authorities like DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), requiring quick adjustments from traders and logistics teams.
Tiered Risk Categories Under BTOM
Under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), imports are categorised into three levels:
• High risk: Live animals, germplasm, and fresh meat are subject to 100 percent checks
• Medium risk: Processed animal products are checked between 1 and 30 percent of the time
• Low risk: Composite products are rarely inspected unless flagged by intelligence
During outbreaks, products can be reclassified to higher risk levels or restricted entirely. This leads to additional documentation, veterinary certification, and tighter customs scrutiny, which traders and hauliers must manage efficiently.
Veterinary Certification and Emergency Protocols
Exporters are required to obtain more detailed veterinary health certificates, confirming regional disease-free status and compliance with sanitary rules. If an outbreak occurs after certification, the documents must be revoked, adding administrative burden and potential delays.
In addition, emergency safeguards can suspend or restrict imports from affected areas. Returned UK-origin products are also subject to strict re-entry controls, including sealing, traceability, and re-certification.
Disease outbreaks can create serious knock-on effects across trade operations:
• Loss of market access due to import bans
• Supply chain disruption from shortages
• Increased operational costs from added inspections and documentation
• Long-term changes in sourcing strategies due to repeated disruption.
Staying Ahead: Tools for Customs and Trade Teams
Traders and Logistics Partners:
Whether you're moving goods or managing the flow, staying ahead of trade disruptions requires close monitoring of global disease alerts and regional risk updates. Both traders and logistics partners should ensure certificates are accurate, valid, and ready to be reissued if conditions change. Proactive planning, flexible sourcing, and up-to-date documentation are essential to minimise delays. At the same time, partnering with knowledgeable customs agents like EORI helps navigate real-time regulatory shifts, reduce processing times, and keep supply chains running smoothly, even during emergency trade restrictions.
Key Takeaways
Animal disease outbreaks are not just a concern for farms. They directly impact trade routes, shipping schedules, and customs operations. Each outbreak can alter regulations overnight, requiring quick responses from all involved in the movement of goods.
By staying informed and collaborating with experienced partners, traders and logistics providers can reduce disruption and adapt quickly when challenges arise. Being prepared is essential for business continuity in an increasingly reactive global trade environment.