Following last week's announcement regarding the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Italy, we have now been notified by the competent authority, DEFRA, of a new outbreak in France. In response, DEFRA has decided to suspend imports of several bovine commodities from the entire territory of France. This communication is crucial to ensure that everyone is aware and takes the necessary precautions.
As a result, Export Health Certificates for products that could potentially transmit the disease can no longer be signed by the Official Veterinarian. The consignments affected include:
- Consignments imported directly from France
- Consignments imported from other countries that have sourced products from France, such as manufacturing plants in Germany using products from France
The affected bovine commodities are as follows:
- Live animals
- Germplasm (semen, ova, and embryos)
- Raw milk and raw milk products (including colostrum)
- Offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles)
- Hides and skins, unless treated according to specific protocols in the WOAH terrestrial code
- All animal by-products of bovine origin (except gelatine and collagen, tallow, and hooves and horns, which WOAH considers safe), unless they have undergone heat treatment to a minimum internal temperature of 65°C for at least 30 minutes
Please note that regarding the date of acceptance, EU/DEFRA are carrying out an epidemiological investigation, we will communicate the dates once we have received advice when milk and milk products can be accepted for imports in GB.
If any of the above consignments have already left the EU and are heading to Great Britain, please ensure your driver is informed of this issue immediately to prevent entry into Great Britain. This will help avoid delays, potential rejections at the border, and having your consignment held at the Border Control Post until further instructions are received.
DEFRA has provided clear instructions to not allow any products that could be affected by this disease into Great Britain until further notice.
APHA
