Extra port checks due to animal health risks

A 'small number of low risk imports' coming through Teesport now required additional checks

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

CURRENT and emerging risks to animal health from foreign imports have been outlined by the River Tees Port Health Authority (RTPHA), including 'lumpy skin disease'.

The authority aims to ensure that food, feed and other relevant products entering the UK through Teesport, which has the status of a border control post, have been legally imported and comply with relevant controls.

Lumpy skin disease is a highly contagious disease that mainly affects cattle with symptoms including fever, mucosal discharge and nodules on the skin. Outbreaks of the disease, which can badly affect milk production and make cows unsaleable, have been reported this year in France and Italy, leading to culls among herds.