Foot-and-Mouth Disease Import Alert: What U.S. Veterinarians Need to Know About New Restrictions from Greece
As of February 16, 2026, the United States has implemented new import restrictions on animal commodities originating from or transiting through Greece following the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in domestic cattle. The update, issued March 19, 2026 by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services, has important implications for veterinarians involved in importation, animal movement, and biosecurity protocols.
Why This Matters
Foot-and-mouth disease remains one of the most economically devastating livestock diseases worldwide. Even a single introduction into the United States would have significant consequences for animal health, trade, and food supply chains. These new restrictions are designed to mitigate that risk, but they also place new responsibilities on veterinarians advising clients on international animal movement.
Key Import Restrictions
Live Animals
APHIS has issued a full prohibition on the importation of the following animals and their germplasm if they originate from or transit through Greece:
Ruminants
Swine
Camelids
Hedgehogs and tenrecs
These restrictions are immediate and remain in place until further notice.
Dogs
Dogs may still be imported, but with specific precautions:
Fur and bedding must be free of dirt, hay, or straw
Dogs should be bathed upon arrival
Must be kept separate from livestock for 5 days after entry
Veterinarians should emphasize post-arrival hygiene and temporary isolation to reduce any potential fomite transmission risk.
Horses
Horses are permitted entry under strict FMD mitigation protocols:
No direct or indirect contact with ruminants or swine for at least 5 days prior to export
Pre-export decontamination of the horse, hooves, and all equipment
Additional decontamination at a USDA-approved quarantine facility upon arrival
These requirements also apply to horses that had recent contact with animals from Greece or that transited through the country.
An important exception:
Horses that have resided in an FMD-free country for at least 5 days after leaving Greece are not subject to these protocols.
Practical Implications for Veterinary Professionals
These restrictions highlight several key considerations for practicing veterinarians:
Client education is critical: Pet owners, breeders, and equine professionals may not be aware of evolving import requirements
Biosecurity protocols must be reinforced, especially for animals with recent international travel
Documentation and compliance are essential for avoiding delays or denied entry at U.S. ports
Equine practitioners, in particular, should be prepared to guide clients through pre-export and quarantine protocols
Veterinarians working with international cases should also coordinate with regulatory authorities early in the process to ensure compliance.
Where to Find More Information
For detailed guidance, veterinarians should consult:
The APHIS import guidelines for live animals and germplasm
Animal product import requirements through APHIS Veterinary Services
Federal agency partners such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicefor species-specific regulations
Bottom Line
The emergence of foot-and-mouth disease in Greece has triggered swift regulatory action in the United States. For veterinarians, this serves as a reminder of how quickly global disease events can impact local practice.
Staying informed, advising clients proactively, and maintaining strict biosecurity standards are essential to protecting both animal health and the broader agricultural industry.
