HallMark Vets on the Front Line: Safeguarding Great Britain’s Biosecurity at Dover

At HallMark, we are incredibly proud of the vital role our veterinarians play at the Port of Dover, standing shoulder to shoulder with Dover Port Health Authority and Border Force to protect Great Britain’s biosecurity.

Every day, our dedicated vets are on the ground identifying, assessing, and removing illegal products of animal origin that are being brought into the country unlawfully. These consignments, often transported in unhygienic conditions, without certification or temperature control, pose a serious threat to both animal and public health.

Through their expertise and vigilance, our team ensures that potentially harmful products do not enter the food chain, helping to prevent the introduction of devastating animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. This work forms a critical part of the UK’s official border controls and represents one of the highest levels of biosecurity protection.

Rising Challenges at the Border

Recent data and reports have highlighted the scale of the challenge faced at Dover. Across the UK, the total volume of illegal meat intercepted in 2024 reached approximately 235 tonnes, demonstrating a worrying rise in illicit trade and the ongoing need for strong, well-resourced border checks.

HallMark vets, working with Dover Port Health Authority have intercepted more than 70 tonnes of illegal meat in just the first four months of 2025.

Much of this material arrives hidden in vehicles, packed in unsuitable containers or mixed consignments, with no traceability or health certification. In some cases, meat has been found originating from regions where serious livestock diseases are present.

The Importance of Veterinary Expertise

At the front line of this work are our HallMark veterinarians. Professionals whose technical knowledge and clinical judgement are essential in distinguishing between legitimate and high-risk imports. Their expertise supports Dover Port Health Authority in making accurate and timely decisions, ensuring that inspections are thorough and that biosecurity standards are maintained at the highest level.

Working within a multi-agency environment, our vets also play a key role in supporting intelligence sharing and operational collaboration between Dover Port Health Authority, Border Force, Defra, and other enforcement bodies. Their contribution strengthens the overall resilience of Great Britain’s biosecurity defences.

Protecting the Nation’s Health and Economy

The potential consequences of failure in this area are severe. The 2001 Foot-and-Mouth outbreak cost the UK economy an estimated £13.8 billion in today’s terms, and African Swine Fever, which has spread across parts of Europe, continues to pose a real and present threat to the UK’s pig sector.

By preventing illegal and high-risk animal products from entering the country, our veterinary team at Dover is helping to safeguard British farming, public health, and the wider food industry from potentially catastrophic losses.

Pride in Our People

We are immensely proud of the dedication, professionalism, and commitment shown by our veterinary team at Dover. Their work is challenging, often unseen, but absolutely vital to maintaining the integrity of Great Britain’s biosecurity.

They are true professionals on the front line and we thank them for their continued service in protecting the nation’s health and food security.