'A profound threat to our farming communities'

BRITAIN is ill-prepared to prevent outbreaks of serious animal diseases such as bird flu, foot and mouth, and swine fever, according to an MP who is also a vet.

- By Steph Spyro DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

Dr Danny Chambers has been “deeply troubled” by the lack of checks in place to stop outbreaks that can devastate farms and rural communities, and threaten our food security.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester, in Hampshire, is alarmed that only 5% of live animals entering the UK are being physically checked — a stark shortfall from the Government's own 100% target.

Its spending watchdog has also warned that Britain is not ready to handle a major flare-up of diseases in animals.

Dr Chambers has written to Environment Secretary Steve Reed calling for urgent action.

The vet said there was “growing industry concern” about the lack of capacity and preparedness for serious outbreaks.