School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

Travelers arriving in Scotland are being reminded not to bring meat, dairy products, plants, bulbs and seeds, or fruit and vegetables into the country as a major biosecurity awareness campaign rolls out across airports and ferry terminals. The campaign, led by the Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks (EPIC), the Plant Health Centre and SBOHVM researchers, aims to reduce the risk of animal and plant diseases entering the country through prohibited products.

Digital adverts are now being displayed at locations including Aberdeen, Glasgow and Prestwick airports, Highlands and Islands Airports, and on services operated by CalMac and NorthLink Ferries. The messaging highlights how prohibited animal and plant products can spread disease and encourages passengers to check the rules before travelling.

The campaign comes as experts prepare to gather in Glasgow for the EPIC IV Conference: From Outbreak to Insight - The Legacy of FMD 2001, taking place on 15 and 16 September 2026 at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The conference will mark 25 years since the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and explore how the crisis transformed disease preparedness, surveillance and outbreak response across the UK.

Speakers will reflect on lessons learned from the 2001 outbreak, examine current disease risks, and discuss future tools and approaches for managing animal disease emergencies. Sessions will also explore outbreak modelling, risk assessment, economic impacts and the relationship between science and policy in protecting animal health.

The renewed public awareness campaign serves as a timely reminder that preventing the introduction of disease remains one of the most effective ways to protect Scotland's agriculture, environment and rural economy.

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First published: 9 September 2026