Amid the rise in many diseases, including bird flu in the US which infected not just birds but also farm animals and humans, as well as trichomoniasis in birds in the UK, the country is again burdened with yet another disease. The UK has introduced a ban on pigs, sheep and cattle imports from Germany after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in the country.

The authorities on Tuesday said that it will no longer approve health certificates for animals, fresh meat and animal products susceptible to the disease.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease

Germany had been free of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) since 1988, however, the virus was detected again in a herd of water buffalo in the state of Brandenburg in early January 2025. While the authorities confirmed cases, with three of the animals being infected and dead, rest culled. In fact, South Korea too banned the import of pork from Germany. Country's Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir cautioned that there would be no quick return to normality.

What Is The Disease?

FMD is caused by aphthoviruses, which are highly contagious viral infection that affect cloven-hoofed animals. These include domestic and wild pigs, cows, sheep, goats, buffalo and dear. These infected animals could also include giraffes, camels, hippopotamuses and elephants. When infected, they have fluid-filled blisters on their mouths, hooves and teats and when the blisters burst, the fluid leaks and virus then spreads and infects other animals.

The virus could also be spread via breath, dung, milk and spit. Indirectly, the virus is transmitted via contaminated surfaces and other objects, such as animal transportation vehicles and clothing.

For now, FMD is not considered zoonotic disease, as it the infection does not spread between animals and humans. So far, no known cases of transmission via food and drink or infection from humans to humans have been reported.

READ: UK Households Are Being Warned Amid The Spread Of A Deadly Bird Disease

Thought Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, advises caution when it comes to consuming raw or unpasteurized milk, frozen pork and other animal products.

Actions UK Is Taking

While it is a rarity in humans, it affects cattle, leading to livestock being slaughtered. In 2001 and 2007, the UK suffered outbreaks of the disease leading to millions of livestock animals being culled.

Farming minister Daniel Zeichner told that the government will do "whatever it takes to protect our nation's farmers from the risk posed by foot-and-mouth."

There is currently no cure for FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease). Until 1991, EU regulations required cattle to be vaccinated against the disease. However, it was later discovered that vaccinated animals could still carry the virus for years, leading to the discontinuation of routine vaccination.

FMD vs HFMD

Hand, food, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes rash, and painful mouth sores. It is often confused with FMD, which is not the same. FMD is not a zoonotic disease, while HFMD is most contagious and common among children, though it can also affect adolescents and adults.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is caused by viruses when a person who is infected touches another person. It usually spreads through droplets, fluid from blisters, stool and objects and surfaces with virus particles.

Andy Kershaw, the legendary Radio 1 DJ is diagnosed with cancer that has left him "unable to walk". Now 66, Kershaw revealed that tumors found in his spine back in August 2025 has left him unable to walk. He, however joked, as Daily Star reported, "I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant n Dec. That should keep me going for a while."

Kershaw's friend Peter Everett said, "My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk. Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers. Although we have not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us."

Andy Kershaw Diagnosis: What Are Spinal Tumors?

A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding your spinal cord. Spine is a long flexible column of bones that protects the spinal cord. Usually the spinal tumors are located inside of the spinal cord, in the tissues that cover spinal cord, between the tissues and bones of spine, or in the bone vertebrae of spine.

Tumors that develop on spine are called spinal tumors. Most spinal tumors result from cancer metastasis, which means the cancer has spread from another area of your body to your spine. However, Kershaw has not clarified how his tumor was detected and whether it has spread from another cancer in the body.

Spinal Cancer: Malignant Tumors of the Spine

Most spinal cancers develop within the spinal column itself and do not directly involve the spinal cord. Several types of cancer can affect the spine, either by starting there or spreading from other parts of the body. These include:

Osteosarcoma: A form of bone cancer that can originate in the spine, though it is more commonly found in the long bones of the legs, such as the thigh and shin.

Chondrosarcoma: This cancer begins in cartilage cells surrounding the bone. While it is rare in the spine, it can sometimes arise as a primary tumor in the bones that make up the spinal column.

Multiple myeloma: A blood cancer that affects plasma cells. These abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow and the outer layer of bones, with the spine being a frequent site of involvement.

Lymphoma: A group of cancers that affect lymphocytes, which are key cells of the immune system. Lymphoma can develop in the spine as a primary tumor, but more often it starts elsewhere in the body and later spreads to the spine.

Chordoma: A rare malignant bone tumor that forms within the spinal column. It can occur anywhere along the spine but is most commonly diagnosed in the sacrum, the bone at the base of the spine.

Ewing sarcoma: A cancer that affects both bone and surrounding soft tissue. It is uncommon in adults and accounts for roughly one percent of childhood cancers.

Nearly 100 children were harmed by a Great Ormond Street hospital limb reconstruction surgeon, Yaser Jabbar. A London-based children's hospital's internal review published a study that concluded that 94 out of 789 children who were treated by the doctor between 2017 and 2022, came to harm. Of these, 91 were harmed during surgeries he performed. Jabbar specialized in limb-lengthening and complex bone reconstruction procedures for children, many of which are inherently high-risk.

While the hospital said some complications are expected in such procedures, the investigation found that Jabbar’s practice fell below acceptable standards in multiple areas and that this directly contributed to patient harm. Great Ormond Street Hospital said it was deeply sorry for the suffering caused to children and families.

The BBC has attempted to contact Jabbar. He is understood to be living abroad and no longer holds a license to practice medicine in the UK.

Great Ormond Street Hospital: What Did The Report Find?

According to the report, more than a quarter of Jabbar’s surgical patients experienced harm. Thirty-five children suffered severe harm, while another child experienced severe harm unrelated to surgery.

Independent reviewers highlighted a series of troubling patterns. These included premature removal of bone fixation devices, operations carried out without a clear clinical rationale, incorrect placement of pins, and bone cuts made at the wrong anatomical level. The investigation also criticized how complications were identified and managed, suggesting delays and missed warning signs.

While the report stated it could not definitively determine whether every case of harm was avoidable, it concluded that the standard of care was suboptimal in many instances and that this had undoubtedly worsened outcomes for patients.

Nearly 100 Children Harmed: Families Speak Of Lifelong Trauma And Consequences

Although the report did not name individual cases, several families have previously shared their experiences publicly.

One of them is Bunty, a young girl born with a rare bone condition that left her left leg bowed and shorter than the other. She underwent multiple surgeries performed by Jabbar. Eventually, her lower left leg had to be amputated. Her case was classified as moderate harm.

Her father, Dean Stalham, told BBC, that the findings were “too little, too late” and questioned why concerns were not identified earlier. “These problems should have been spotted long before so many children were hurt,” he said.

According to another parent, Lizzie Roberts, as reported in the BBC, her son Tate was left in constant pain after surgery carried out by Jabbar when he was 16. Tate had been injured in a road accident years earlier, and the surgery was meant to address knee problems. Roberts said an operation was also performed on his ankle without consent and without clinical need.

“He is now facing further surgery and has had to drop out of college,” she said. Tate’s case was also classified as moderate harm.

Both families have called for a police investigation. The Metropolitan Police confirmed to the BBC that it would review the findings of the report to decide whether further action is required.

Questions Are Raised Over Hospital Culture

The investigation was launched in 2024, after concerns were raised internally. It followed a review by the Royal College of Surgeons, commissioned by the hospital, which flagged serious issues around working culture. Staff described the environment as toxic and raised concerns about inappropriate and incorrect surgeries being carried out on children.

Although independent clinicians reviewed patient records, Great Ormond Street Hospital collated and published the final findings. NHS England’s London region is now conducting a separate review into how the hospital handled the case.

The trust said it had already implemented recommendations from the Royal College of Surgeons, including better training on complaints handling, increased whistle-blowing support, and mandatory discussions of the most complex cases with the National Royal Orthopedic Hospital.

However, questions remain. Surgeon Sarah McMahon, who worked in the same service as Jabbar, reportedly raised concerns with hospital management in autumn 2021. According to a statement in Parliament by Dame Meg Hillier, no action was taken at the time.

'Bleakest Day' For Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital chief executive Matthew Shaw described the publication of the report as the bleakest day in the hospital’s history. He apologized unreservedly to affected families and said the trust acted quickly once formal concerns were raised in June 2022.

Shaw also pointed to the challenges of monitoring highly specialized surgical fields with very few practitioners nationwide. Still, he said transparency was essential.

“By publishing these findings, we hope to begin rebuilding trust with families,” he said. “They rely on us at the most vulnerable moments of their children’s lives.”

Nipah virus outbreak in India, after two cases have been confirmed from the state of West Bengal, has now led to an increased protection, with airports across Asia operating on high alert. Screenings are conducted in Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam over the fear of the outbreak. This virus has a high fatality rate and can spread from animals to humans.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: How To Stay Safe?

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes key steps to stay safe from Nipah virus.

Reduce Risk Of Bat to Human Transmission

WHO recommends that keeping bats away, especially from date palm sap and other fresh food products could reduce the risk of infection. WHO notes that freshly collected date palm juice should be boiled, and fruits should be thoroughly washed and peeled before consumption. Fruits with any sign of bat bites should be discarded.

Read: Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: All That You Need To Know About This Infection

Reduce Risk Of Animal to Human Transmission

WHO notes that people must wear protective clothing like gloves and more while handling sick animals like pigs and horses, and during slaughtering and culling procedures. WHO also notes that in areas where the virus is present, when establishing new pig farms, considerations should be given to the presence of fruit bats in the area and in general, pig feed and pig sheds should be protected against bats when feasible.

Control Nipah Virus in Pigs

In past outbreaks of Nipah involving pig farms, several measures were implemented to reduce transmission including: routine and thorough cleaning and disinfection of farms; quarantining animal premises in the case of suspected cases; culling of infected animals, with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses; and restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas.

Reduce Risk Of Human-to-human Transmission

People who have Nipah virus like symptoms must be referred to a health facility. Early supportive care is the key to better health. The WHO guidelines also note that closed and unprotected contact with sick people must be avoided, along with practicing basic hygiene rules like washing hands must be practiced.

Read: Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: Doctor Says Wider Spread Is Unlikely

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: Can This Infection Become The Next Pandemic?

Many are worried about the Nipah virus outbreak and are speculating whether this could spread to an extent that it could become the next pandemic. Dr T.S. Anish, professor of community medicine and nodal officer for Nipah at the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, as reported by South China Morning Post, said health authorities closely monitor all suspected Nipah cases to make sure no infections are missed. However, he explained that most people who are tested eventually turn out to be negative.

“Out of 100 suspected cases, almost all are usually negative,” he said. He added that tracing every contact of a Nipah patient is difficult, so there is always a chance that a case may appear outside the known contact list. Still, he believes the current outbreak is likely to remain small, affecting fewer than 10 people.