Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-24)

Current issues relating to imports and exports of animals and animal products.

This page provides details on particular issues or changes that importers and exporters may need to be aware of.

You can view all of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) guidance and forms for:
- importing live animals or animal products (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-importing-live-animals-or-animal-products)
- exporting live animals or animal products (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-exporting-live-animals-or-animal-products)
Defra’s animal disease monitoring collection (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/animal-diseases-international-monitoring) covers major, notifiable or new and emerging animal disease outbreaks internationally and in the UK.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Argentina

Following an assessment, Great Britain has lifted the import restrictions that were implemented in August 2025 due to an outbreak of HPAI in Argentina. This means that:
- imports of poultry, ratite and wild game bird meat may resume
- the treatment category for relevant meat products has been amended from ‘D’ to ‘A’, meaning no specific heat treatment is required
Read the ‘Poultry and poultry products’ and ‘Meat products’ lists of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

Lumpy skin disease in the European Union

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following bovine commodities from Italy, France and Spain:
- live animals
- germplasm (unless collected prior to 21 December 2024 for Italy, 29 December 2024 for France and 3 April 2025 for Spain)
- offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles)
- raw milk and raw dairy products, including raw colostrum
- certain animal by-products (including hides and skins) unless processed to mitigate the risk of lumpy skin disease (read the safeguard declaration)
This is due to outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) confirmed in Italy on 21 June 2025, in France on 29 June 2025 and in Spain on 3 October 2025.

For restrictions on live bovine animals, their germplasm, bovine offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles) and raw bovine milk and dairy products, read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘bovine embryos’, ‘bovine semen’, ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ and ‘milk and milk products’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on the commercial import of affected animal by-products of bovine origin, the safeguard declarations that follow give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).

Italy:
- Lumpy skin disease in Italy: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899edb6ad0cbc0e27643223/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Italy_amendment_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 108 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Italy: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899eeb03080e72710b2e365/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Italy_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 123 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Italy: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899edefad0cbc0e27643224/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Italy_amendment_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 143 KB, 5 pages)
France:
- Lumpy skin disease in France: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ef76ad0cbc0e27643229/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_France_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 108 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in France: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ef58ad0cbc0e27643227/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_France_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 123 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in France: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ef373080e72710b2e366/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_France_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 147 KB, 5 pages)
Spain:
- Lumpy skin disease in Spain: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e64695dadf7616351e4f3f/Amending_Safeguard__England__-_Spain_-_LSDV.pdf) (PDF, 133 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Spain: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e64c06ef1c2f72bc1e4efd/Declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland__-LSD_-_Spain_-_08.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 122 KB, 5 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Spain: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e65824dadf7616351e4f51/Draft_Amending_Safeguard__Wales__-_Spain_-_LSDV_-_Oct_2025.pdf) (PDF, 136 KB, 4 pages)
The measures for Italy and France replace those previously published and apply from 12 August 2025 until they are revoked or amended.

The measures for Spain apply from 9 October 2025 until they are revoked or amended.

Import of cheeses

Bovine dairy products that have undergone a lower heat treatment than pasteurisation can be imported.

This means that the import of cheeses that have been subject to a form of heat treatment during the production process is permitted, provided that all other import conditions are met, supporting information on treatments applied is provided, and attestations in the relevant export health certificate (GBHC416) can be certified.

Sheep pox and goat pox: Serbia

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following commodities from Serbia:
- fresh or chilled (untreated) hides and skins of sheep and goats
- hay and straw
This is due to an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox (SPGP) in Serbia that was confirmed on 18 September 2025.

In addition, imports of untreated wool and hair of sheep and goats are now only permitted if they are:
- dry and securely enclosed in packaging; and
- sent directly to a plant producing derived products for uses outside the feed chain or a plant carrying out intermediate operations under conditions which prevent the spread of pathogenic agents
The following safeguard declarations give effect to this decision for untreated hides and skins and hay and straw. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Serbia (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e65a8b750fcf90fa6fff14/Serbia_-_SPGP_safeguard__England__08.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 125 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Serbia (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e65251dadf7616351e4f4e/Declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland__-_SPGP_-_Serbia_-_08.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 105 KB, 2 pages)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Serbia (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e657ea49e17d00a56fff17/Declaration_of_Special_measures__Wales__-_Serbia_SPGP_08.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 118 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 9 October 2025 until they are revoked or amended.

Serbia has additionally been removed from the general authorisation for the import of hay and straw: IMP/GEN/2025/10 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e66b688c1db6022d0ca243/IMP-GEN_2025-10__imports_of_hay_and_straw_.pdf).

Commercial movement of dogs from Romania: Brucella canis testing

Due to an increase in cases of Brucella canis in Great Britain, all dogs originating in or dispatched from Romania require pre-import testing for Brucella canis. Only dogs returning a negative result may be permitted for import. In addition:
- the negative test alongside other supporting documents must be added to the Import of Products, Animals, Food, and Feed System (IPAFFS) 2 working days prior to travel
- the dog must enter Great Britain no later than 30 calendar days following the date on which its blood sample was collected
Guidance is available at: Brucella canis - testing dogs before import (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/brucella-canis-testing-dogs-before-import).

The safeguard declarations that follow give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).

Read the:
- Declaration of special measures: Romania Brucella canis (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e39f208c1db6022d0ca11d/Declaration_of_special_measures_Romania__England_signed__6.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 149 KB, 3 pages)
- Declaration of special measures: Romania Brucella canis (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e3b3cbc487360cc70ca14b/Declaration_of_Special_Measures_-_Romania__Wales__6.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 157 KB, 3 pages)
- Declaration of special measures: Romania Brucella canis (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e39f5c49e17d00a56ffdfc/Declaration_of_Special_Measures__Scotland__-_Romania_-_06_October_2025.pdf) (PDF, 132 KB, 3 pages)
These safeguard measures apply from 7 October 2025 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Import of honey bees from Ukraine

Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) has suspended the import of honey bees, apiculture products, and used beekeeping equipment from Ukraine due to limited surveillance for the Tropilaelaps mite.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Declaration of special measures: Ukraine Tropilaelaps mite (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e3b2bac487360cc70ca14a/Declaration_of_special_Measures_-_Ukraine__England__signed_6.10.25.pdf) (PDF, 172 KB, 2 pages)
- Declaration of special measures: Ukraine Tropilaelaps mite (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e3a4e3750fcf90fa6ffe09/Declaration_of_special_measures_-_Ukraine_-_6_October_2025__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 137 KB, 2 pages)
- Declaration of special measures: Ukraine Tropilaelaps mite (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e3a4f98c1db6022d0ca121/Scottish_Government_-_Notice_of_Special_Measures___Ukraine___06_October_2025.pdf) (PDF, 165 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 7 October 2025 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD)

Commercial import restrictions: Eswatini

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following commodities from Eswatini:
- fresh bovine meat
- fresh meat from farmed and wild game ungulates
This is due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) confirmed on 19 May 2025.

Read the ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ list of Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

Amendments have been made to the hay and straw and certain ABPs (#hay-and-straw), casings (#casings) and wool and hair (#wool-and-hair) measures accordingly.

Commercial import restrictions: EU

Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) have been reported in:
- Germany on 10 January 2025
- Hungary on 7 March 2025 (with an additional outbreak reported near the Austrian border on 26 March 2025)
- Slovakia on 21 March 2025
There are restrictions in place on the import of the following commodities from Slovakia:
- live (including non-domestic) ruminant and porcine animals, including wild game, and their germplasm
- fresh meat from ruminant and porcine animals (including chilled and frozen)
- meat products from ruminant and porcine animals that have not been subject to specific treatment D1, D, C or B (including wild game)
- milk, colostrum and their products, unless subjected to treatment as defined in Article 4 of Regulation 2010/605
- certain animal by-products
- hay and straw
These restrictions are set out in the relevant lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/export-of-animals-and-animal-products-to-the-uk) and in the following safeguard declarations.

The United Kingdom now recognises Germany and Hungary as FMD-free without vaccination. Restrictions on Austria that were initially implemented due to outbreaks on the Hungary-Austria border have also been lifted. This means the export of affected commodities from Austria, Germany and Hungary can take place, provided that all other import conditions are met and attestations in the relevant export health certificate can be certified.

Amendments have been made to the relevant lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/export-of-animals-and-animal-products-to-the-uk) and the hay and straw and certain ABPs (#hay-and-straw), casings (#casings) and wool and hair (#wool-and-hair) safeguard measures, accordingly.

Declaration of special measures: hay and straw and certain animal by-products

Restrictions on the import of hay and straw and certain animal by-products from Slovakia are given effect in the following safeguard measures. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Slovakia (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa263c6df905ce77084c5/Safeguard_-_Products_from_Slovakia__England_.pdf) (PDF, 190 KB, 4 pages)
- Revocation of declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Germany (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6824a3a6ab96d4ed0b262f1c/Revocation_of_declaration_-FMD_-_importation_of_certain_products_from_Germany__England_.pdf) (PDF, 95.1 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Slovakia (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa34c995dfd01bff0bff5/Safeguard_-_Products_from_Slovakia__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 206 KB, 4 pages)
- Revocation of declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Germany (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6824a4cfb9226dd8e81ab892/Germany_-_ABP_-_Revocation__Wales___May_2025_.pdf) (PDF, 104 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Slovakia (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68cab97205e625519a6c9ff6/Safeguard_ABP_FMD_-_Slovakia__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 136 KB, 4 pages)
- Revocation of declaration of special measures: importation of certain products from Germany (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6824a418b296b83ad5262f23/Declaration_-_Revocation_of_Special_Measures_-_FMD_-_ABP_-_Germany__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 96.1 KB, 1 page)
The special measures for Slovakia apply from 18 September 2025, until revoked or amended. They replace earlier published safeguard measures.

The special measures for Germany that applied from 25 March 2025 were revoked with effect from 15 May 2025.

The special measures for Hungary that applied from 25 June 2025 were revoked with effect from 18 September 2025.

Declaration of special measures: importation of untreated wool and hair of susceptible animals for certain third countries and territories

Imports of untreated wool and hair of species susceptible to FMD (except porcines) are only permitted from countries or zones that are recognised as free of FMD by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/#ui-id-2). Imports must also be accompanied by:
- a commercial document, or importer declaration (if applicable)
- the health certificate provided in the safeguard declaration (only applicable to countries with FMD that are exporting from FMD-free zones)
Safeguard declarations give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of untreated wool and hair of susceptible animals for certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678934139752f24aa157354a/England_Safeguard_Declaration_Untreated_hair_and_GBHC590.pdf) (PDF, 223 KB, 10 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures: importation of untreated wool and hair from Eswatini and Slovakia (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa2ac2fe4b313286c9fd8/Safeguard_-_Wool_and_Hair__England_.pdf) (PDF, 110 KB, 2 pages)
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of untreated wool and hair of susceptible animals for certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67893471d0561c11b91d0536/Wales_Safeguard_Declaration_Untreated_hair_and_GBHC590.pdf) (PDF, 228 KB, 10 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures: importation of untreated wool and hair from Eswatini and Slovakia (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa3855e09a4a59af0bfe0/Safeguard_-_Wool_and_Hair__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 162 KB, 2 pages)
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of untreated wool and hair of susceptible animals for certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caba42995dfd01bff0c013/Safeguard_-_wool_and_hair_FMD__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 252 KB, 11 pages)
For England and Wales, these special measures apply from 17 January 2025. They continue to apply as amended from 18 September 2025 until they are revoked.

For Scotland, this measure applies from 18 September 2025 until it is revoked or amended. This measure replaces the measure published on 24 June 2025.

Declaration of special measures: importation of animal casings of susceptible animals for certain third countries and territories

Imports of animal casings of species susceptible to FMD, classical swine fever (CSF) and African swine fever (ASF) without specific risk mitigating treatment are only permitted from EU and EFTA countries (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/export-of-animals-and-animal-products-to-the-uk) and non-EU countries (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) or zones that are both:
- approved to export fresh meat of the relevant species
- recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/#ui-id-2) as free of FMD
For countries or zones that are not recognised as free of FMD and/or not approved to export fresh meat of the relevant species, the casings must:
- come from holdings that are not under restrictions due to notifiable diseases in Annex 4 of the following special measure
- have been subjected to a risk mitigating treatment as set out in the relevant model export health certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/other-meat-health-certificates)
These declarations of special measures are necessary to prevent the incursion of FMD, CSF and ASF into the United Kingdom. Susceptible species mean bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine animals. Safeguard declarations give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of animal casings from foot and mouth disease susceptible animals from certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6789337669b9b76c761d0527/England_Safeguard_Declaration_Casings_and_GBHC370.pdf) (PDF, 333 KB, 16 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures: importation of animal casings from susceptible animals from Eswatini and Slovakia (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa2fe05e625519a6c9fd9/Safeguard_-_casings__England_.pdf) (PDF, 110 KB, 2 pages)
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of animal casings from foot and mouth disease susceptible animals from certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678933e39752f24aa1573549/Wales_Safeguard_Declaration_Casings_and_GBHC370.pdf) (PDF, 341 KB, 16 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures: importation of animal casings from susceptible animals from Eswatini and Slovakia (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68caa3bd05e625519a6c9fda/Safeguard_-_Casings__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 123 KB, 2 pages)
- Foot and mouth disease - importation of animal casings from foot and mouth disease susceptible animals from certain third countries and territories: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68cabba4995dfd01bff0c015/Safeguard_-_Animal_casings_FMD__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 299 KB, 16 pages)
For England and Wales, these special measures apply from 17 January 2025. They continue to apply as amended from 18 September 2025 until they are revoked.

For Scotland, this measure applies from 18 September 2025 until it is revoked or amended. This measure replaces the measure published on 24 June 2025.

Non-harmonised animal by-products

Importers of non-harmonised animal by-products or display items originating from Hungary, Slovakia and Germany, which were obtained from FMD-susceptible animals, must apply to the Centre for International Trade, Carlisle, using the IV58 application form (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-products-and-pathogens-application-for-import-licence). Approval to import will be subject to a satisfactory assessment of the application. These products must not be imported without an accompanying specific import authorisation.

Personal imports

Following the recent outbreaks of FMD in Europe, individuals cannot bring certain products of ruminant and porcine origin from the EU, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for personal consumption.

This applies to the fresh meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, colostrum, colostrum products and certain composite products and animal by-products of ruminant and porcine origin.

Exemptions from these rules include:
- infant milk
- medical foods
- certain low-risk composite products (including chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and food supplements containing less than 20% animal products)
The following safeguard measure gives effect to this decision for England:
- Declaration of special measures: foot and mouth disease personal import restrictions (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a9f5d454906840a44d602/Safeguard_-_Updated_FMD_Personal_Import_Safeguard.pdf) (PDF, 143 KB, 3 pages)
This safeguard measure applies from 25 June 2025 until it is revoked or amended.

The Animal Health (Import Controls) (Wales) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2025/939/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Wales, with effect from 8 August 2025, and replaces earlier safeguard declarations.

The Animal Products (Control of Personal Importation) (Scotland) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2025/230/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Scotland, with effect from 23 August 2025. It replaces earlier safeguard declarations which are revoked by the following declaration:
- Declaration of revocation of special measures: foot and mouth disease (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68a89080969253904d1557d8/Declaration_of_revocation_of_special_measures_-_foot_and_mouth_disease__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 79.1 KB, 1 page)
Lumpy skin disease in Japan

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following bovine commodities from Japan:
- offal, except diaphragm and masseter muscles
- raw milk and raw dairy products, including raw colostrum
- certain animal by-products (including hides and skins) unless processed to mitigate the risk of lumpy skin disease (read the safeguard declaration)
This is due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in Japan that was confirmed on 6 November 2024.

For restrictions on offal, read the ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ list of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on raw milk and raw dairy products, read the ‘milk and milk products’ list of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on affected animal by-products of bovine origin, the safeguard declarations below give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).
- Lumpy skin disease in Japan: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ed273080e72710b2e363/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Japan_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 108 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Japan: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ed88a6eb81a3f9b2e32c/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Japan_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 123 KB, 4 pages)
- Lumpy skin disease in Japan: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899ed67586f9c9360656a94/Lumpy_skin_disease_in_Japan_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 143 KB, 5 pages)
These measures replace those previously published and apply from 12 August 2025 until they are revoked or amended.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Following an assessment, Great Britain has lifted the import restrictions that were placed on fresh poultry meat and poultry meat products from Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed on 10 February 2025.

Read the ‘Poultry and poultry products’ and ‘Meat products’ lists of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Brazil

Following an assessment of Brazil’s disease status, Great Britain has lifted the import restrictions that were placed on the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil due to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed on 15 May 2025 for:
- fresh poultry, ratite and wild game bird meat
- meat products of poultry, ratites and wild game birds that have not been subject to specific treatment ‘D’ (heat treatment to a minimum internal temperature of 70°C) or higher
- breeding and productive poultry and ratites
- day-old chicks, including day-old chicks of ratites
- hatching eggs of poultry and ratites
Read the ‘poultry and poultry products’ and ‘meat products’ lists of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

Sheep pox and goat pox: Romania

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following sheep and goat commodities from Romania following an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox (SPGP) that was confirmed on 17 June 2025:
- live animals
- germplasm
- fresh or chilled skins and hides
Imports of these commodities are already suspended due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that was confirmed on 19 July 2024. These commodities are now also restricted due to the SPGP outbreak.

For restrictions on live animals and germplasm, read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on fresh or chilled skins and hides, the safeguard declarations that follow give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Romania (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d3ce0f85b4b993fd752ba/Declaration_of_special_measures_-_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Romania__England_.pdf) (PDF, 104 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Romania (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d2a69f85b4b993fd7529c/Declaration_of_special_measures_-_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Romania__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 122 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Romania (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d2a4c61d68e6ee1a92a5a/Declaration_of_special_measures_-_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Romania__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 103 KB, 1 page)
These special measures apply from 27 June 2025 until they are revoked or amended.

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: Albania

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of untreated wool and hair from ovine and caprine animals from Albania. This is due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that was confirmed on 4 June 2025.

The following safeguard declarations give effect to this decision. They are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in Albania: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68483814944a600f13bcb893/Peste_des_petits_ruminants_in_Albania_-_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 90.8 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Albania: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68483836d0ca5d7801e4e6cd/Peste_des_petits_ruminants_in_Albania_-_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 106 KB, 2 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Albania: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6848385789d002b886e787ee/Peste_des_petits_ruminants_in_Albania_-_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 99.8 KB, 1 page)
These safeguard declarations apply from 11 June 2025 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Classical swine fever (CSF) disease freedom: Bulgaria

Following an assessment, the United Kingdom has recognised Bulgaria’s disease-free status for CSF. Restrictions on the import to Great Britain from Bulgaria due to CSF are lifted from 30 May 2025 for:
- fresh porcine meat
- porcine meat products
Read the ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ and ‘meat products’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

Import restrictions relating to Bulgaria’s African swine fever status remain in place.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccination programme approval in commercial duck farms: France

The United Kingdom approved France’s highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccination programme in commercial duck farms on 22 May 2025.

This means that, from 22 May 2025, France is able to export meat and meat products obtained from ducks vaccinated against avian influenza and kept in establishments complying with additional testing requirements agreed between Great Britain and France.

Products from vaccinated ducks produced before 22 May 2025 may be exported to Great Britain provided they can comply with the requirements of the export health certificate, which includes the additional testing requirements.

Read the ‘poultry and poultry products’ list of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/export-of-animals-and-animal-products-to-the-uk) for more information.

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: Hungary

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following sheep and goat commodities from Hungary:
- live animals
- germplasm
- raw milk and raw milk products
- untreated wool and hair
- fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides
This is due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that was confirmed on 24 January 2025.

For more information, read the lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for:
- live ungulates
- ovine and caprine ova and embryos
- ovine and caprine semen
- milk and milk products
These measures came into force on 29 January 2025.

For restrictions on untreated wool and hair and on fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides, the following safeguard declarations give effect to this decision. They are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in Hungary: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679cdf4a3f28b7444270a32f/Hungary_-_PRR_-_Safeguard.pdf) (PDF, 129 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Hungary: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679cdf62a9ee53687470a33a/Declaration_of_special_measures_-_Hungary-_Peste_des_petits_ruminants_-_UKO_Return.pdf) (PDF, 111 KB, 2 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Hungary: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679cdf793f28b7444270a333/Hungary_-_PPR_-_Safeguard__Wales__-_January_2025.pdf) (PDF, 142 KB, 1 page)
These safeguard declarations apply from 31 January 2025 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: Bulgaria

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following sheep and goat commodities from Bulgaria following an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that was confirmed on 25 November 2024:
- raw milk and raw milk products (including raw colostrum)
- untreated wool and hair
- fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides
Imports of live sheep and goats, their germplasm and fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides are already suspended from Bulgaria as a result of the sheep pox and goat pox outbreak (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues#sheep-pox-and-goat-pox-outbreak-in-bulgaria) confirmed on 4 September 2024. These commodities are also now restricted due to PPR.

For more information, read the lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) to Great Britain for:
- live ungulates
- ovine and caprine ova and embryos
- ovine and caprine semen
- milk and milk products
Untreated wool and hair of sheep and goats and fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides of sheep and goats are restricted by the following safeguard declarations, which are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in Bulgaria: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676164700345cd72db25344f/PRR_Bulgaria_declaration__England_.pdf) (PDF, 65.4 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Bulgaria: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6761647a26a2d1ff1825344d/PPR_Bulgaria_declaration__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 67.4 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Bulgaria: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6761648694c0d990c1ef395d/PPR_Bulgaria_declaration__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 65.3 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 18 December 2024 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

African swine fever (ASF) import restrictions: European Union

Individuals can only bring pork and pork products from the EU, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for personal consumption where the products:
- have been produced and packaged to commercial standards
- bear an identification or health mark – or commercial labelling if they are animal by-products
- weigh less than 2kg per person
This is because some pork and pork products that originate from or have been dispatched from these countries pose an unacceptable risk to animal health in Great Britain. This is due to the spread of African swine fever in Europe.

The following safeguard measure gives effect to this decision for England:
- Declaration of special measures: Personal imports of porcine products from certain third countries (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66f51ee7c71e42688b65ec69/Personal_imports_of_porcine_products_from_certain_third_countries_Declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 143 KB, 3 pages)
This safeguard measure applies from 27 September 2024 until it is revoked or amended.

The Animal Health (Import Controls) (Wales) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2025/939/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Wales, with effect from 8 August 2025, and replaces earlier safeguard declarations.

The Animal Products (Control of Personal Importation) (Scotland) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2025/230/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Scotland, with effect from 23 August 2025. It replaces earlier safeguard declarations which are revoked by the following declaration:
- Declaration of revocation of special measures: African swine fever (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68a8906d969253904d1557d7/Declaration_of_Revocation_of_Special_Measures_African_Swine_Fever_-_Scottish_Government.pdf) (PDF, 79.4 KB, 1 page)
These measures continue to apply, but due to broader personal import measures implemented in response to FMD outbreaks in Europe (https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products), individuals cannot bring certain products of ruminant and porcine origin (including products derived from sheep and goats) from the EU, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for personal consumption. Find further information about restrictions due to foot and mouth disease (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues#foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd).

Sheep pox and goat pox outbreak in Bulgaria

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has temporarily suspended the imports of the following ovine and caprine commodities from Bulgaria:
- live animals
- germplasm
- fresh or chilled skins and hides
This follows an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox that was confirmed on 4 September 2024. Bulgaria has now lost its status as free from sheep pox and goat pox as a result of this outbreak.

Read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on fresh or chilled skins and hides, the safeguard declarations below give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales).
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e16af5caa02d92e72c8d2c/Declaration_of_Special_Measures_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Bulgaria__England_.pdf) (PDF, 135 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e1b9e5c428f0f0a6cb255e/Declaration_of_special_measures_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Bulgaria__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 108 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e16b684a35ef0b0d98eb0d/Declaration_of_Special_Measures_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Bulgaria__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 150 KB, 1 page)
These special measures apply from 12 September 2024 until they are revoked or amended.

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: European Union

Individuals can only bring certain sheep and goat products from the EU, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for personal consumption. The products must:
- have been produced and packaged to commercial standards
- bear an identification or health mark – or commercial labelling if they are animal by-products (ABP)
This applies to sheep and goat:
- milk and milk products
- meat and meat products
Individuals cannot bring any sheep or goat milk and milk products from Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary or Romania into Great Britain for personal consumption.

These products pose a risk to animal health in Great Britain due to the spread of peste des petits ruminants in Europe.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision for England:

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in European Union: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c4ba91d10184fe9b13e4c3/Peste_des_petits_ruminants_in_European_Union_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 135 KB, 4 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in the European Union: amendment to declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6761695294c0d990c1ef3967/PPR_EU_wide_-_amendment__England_.pdf) (PDF, 141 KB, 2 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in the European Union: amendment to declaration of special measures published 31 January 2025 (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679cdfc41d14e76535afb66b/EU_Wide_-_PPR_-_Amendment_-_Hungary.pdf) (PDF, 143 KB, 2 pages)
These safeguard measures apply until they are revoked or amended.

The Animal Health (Import Controls) (Wales) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2025/939/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Wales, with effect from 8 August 2025, and replaces earlier safeguard declarations.

The Animal Products (Control of Personal Importation) (Scotland) Order 2025 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2025/230/contents/made) gives effect to this decision for Scotland, with effect from 23 August 2025. It replaces earlier safeguard declarations which are revoked by the following declaration:
- Declaration of revocation of special measures: peste des petits ruminants (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68a890589e1cebdd2c96a121/Declaration_of_Revocation_of_Special_Measures_Peste_Des_Petits_Ruminants_-_Scottish_Government.pdf) (PDF, 79 KB, 1 page)
These measures continue to apply, but due to broader personal import measures implemented in response to FMD outbreaks in Europe (https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products), individuals cannot bring certain products of ruminant and porcine origin (including products derived from sheep and goats) from the EU, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for personal consumption. Find further information about restrictions due to foot and mouth disease (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues#foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd).

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: Romania

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has temporarily suspended the import of the following sheep and goat commodities from Romania:
- live animals
- germplasm
- raw milk and milk products
- untreated wool and hair
- fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides
This is due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants that was confirmed on 19 July 2024.

For more information, read the following lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain):
- live ungulates
- ovine and caprine ova and embryos
- ovine and caprine semen
- milk and milk products
For restrictions on untreated wool and hair and on fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides, the following safeguard declarations give effect to this decision. They are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in Romania: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a271700808eaf43b50d76b/PPR-in-Romania-declaration-of-special-measures-England.pdf) (PDF, 133 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Romania: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a27192ce1fd0da7b592d66/PPR-in-Romania-declaration-of-special-measures-Scotland.pdf) (PDF, 129 KB, 2 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Romania: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a271b949b9c0597fdb051d/PPR-in-Romania-declaration-of-special-measures-Wales.pdf) (PDF, 188 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 26 July 2024 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Peste des petits ruminants import restrictions: Greece

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following sheep and goat commodities from Greece following an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants that was confirmed on 11 July 2024:
- raw milk and raw milk products (including raw colostrum)
- untreated wool and hair
- fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides
Imports of live sheep and goats and their germplasm are already suspended from Greece as a result of the sheep pox and goat pox outbreak (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues#sheep-pox-and-goat-pox-in-greece) confirmed on 24 October 2023. These commodities are also now restricted due to PPR.

For more information, read the lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) to Great Britain for:
- live ungulates
- ovine and caprine ova and embryos
- ovine and caprine semen
- milk and milk products
Untreated wool and hair of sheep and goats and fresh or chilled (untreated) skins and hides of sheep and goats are restricted by the following safeguard declarations, which are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Peste des petits ruminants in Greece: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676161a71ca3ec0a49e18fd4/PPR_Greece_-_Safeguard_v1.0__England_.pdf) (PDF, 129 KB, 1 page)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Greece: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6761627a94c0d990c1ef3956/PPR_Greece_-_safeguard__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 110 KB, 2 pages)
- Peste des petits ruminants in Greece: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67615fa626a2d1ff18253438/PPR_Greece__-_Safeguard__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 140 KB, 1 page)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Australia

The import of the following ratite products is suspended from Australia to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for consignments produced on or after 22 May 2024:
- fresh ratite meat
- breeding and productive ratites
- day-old ratites
- hatching eggs of ratites
An outbreak of HPAI was confirmed in a commercial layer poultry farm in Victoria, Australia, on 22 May 2024. The suspension of affected commodities will remain in place until the UK recognises Australia as disease free for HPAI.

Read the ‘Poultry and poultry products’ list of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information about affected commodities.

African swine fever (ASF) import restrictions: Montenegro

From 23 January 2024, the heat treatment applied to the import of domestic and wild pig meat products from Montenegro into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has changed.

The heat treatment category for domestic porcine, farmed cloven-hoofed game (swine) and wild swine has changed from ‘D’ (minimum temperature of 70ºC) to ‘C’ (minimum temperature 80ºC).

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in wild boar in Montenegro on 14 January 2024. These measures will remain in place until Montenegro is recognised by the UK as disease free for ASF.

Read the ‘meat products’ list of non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information about affected commodities.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) in the EU and EFTA states

The bluetongue guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation) covers the latest situation and advice on measures to protect against the disease.

There are mandatory requirements for imports from all EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries to Great Britain of:
- BTV susceptible animals – that is, ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats and cervids (deer), and camelids such as alpacas and llamas
- germinal products (semen, ova and embryos) of susceptible animals
Importing animals

When importing susceptible animals from countries with BTV to Great Britain:
- the country you import from must be listed for the relevant species on the ‘live ungulates’ list of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain)
- you must comply with the vaccination requirements outlined in supplementary guarantee ‘A’ of the relevant health certificates (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-certificates-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-to-great-britain)
- you must not move susceptible animals from countries with the BTV-3 serotype of bluetongue to Great Britain – this is because there is no fully approved vaccine for BTV-3 with a guaranteed period of immunity, so it’s not possible to comply with the health certificate requirements
In addition:
- you should only source animals that have a reliable health status
- you should test animals to ensure they are clear of infection before they travel to Great Britain
- you should speak to your private veterinarian about putting in place controls to help prevent the introduction of BTV
Movement restrictions and testing after import

If you import susceptible animals from an affected country or a country within 150km of an affected country, APHA will contact you after import to arrange for the animals to be tested to confirm they are free of BTV. APHA will also place the animals under movement restrictions until it has confirmed they are disease free. You must not move the animals from the destination premises until you receive this confirmation. The process can take up to 2 weeks.

Imported animals that test positive for BTV may be culled or returned to the country of origin. Any animals that travelled in the same vehicle that are at risk of becoming infected may also be culled or returned. No compensation will be paid for the culled or returned animals.

If the animals you’ve imported test positive for BTV, you’ll be restricted from moving any susceptible animals on or off the destination premises until APHA has confirmed that the disease has not spread.

Importing germinal products

When importing the germinal products of susceptible animals from countries with BTV to Great Britain:
- you must make sure the country you import from is on the ‘bovine semen’, ‘bovine embryos’, ‘ovine and caprine semen’ and ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain)
- you must comply with the testing requirements outlined in the relevant health certificates (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-certificates-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-to-great-britain)
More information

For more information on import requirements:
- read APHA’s imports of live animals and genetic material importer information notes (http://apha.defra.gov.uk/official-vets/Guidance/bip/iin/live-animals-gene-mat.htm)
- contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-apha)
Lifting of reinforced controls for beef, poultry meat and meat products from Brazil

The UK has lifted reinforced controls for consignments of beef, poultry meat and meat products and preparations exported from Brazil to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). This follows an audit of Brazil’s sanitary and phytosanitary controls.

For consignments of beef, poultry meat, and products and preparations from Brazil, exports to Great Britain do not need:
- enhanced pre-export and post-import testing for salmonella
- the additional attestation attached to health certificates confirming salmonella sampling, methods of analysis used, and results
The default level of import checks now applies in accordance with retained Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2129. (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2019/2129)

Brazil can re-list certain poultry and beef establishments for export to Great Britain, as set out in the list of establishments approved to export animals and animal products (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-the-uk-countries-and-establishments-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products).

Find out the countries, territories and regions approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-great-britain-approved-countries-for-animals-and-animal-products).

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) outside the UK

From 23 June 2023, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) have suspended the import of live cervids and high risk cervid products, including urine hunting lures, from countries where CWD has been reported.

In addition, fresh cervid meat cannot be imported into Great Britain from countries affected with CWD unless it complies with the supplementary guarantee in the relevant health certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-certificates-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-to-great-britain).

CWD has been reported in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada, USA and the Republic of Korea.

The following safeguard measures give effect to these decisions. They are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Chronic wasting disease: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6494713fde8682000cbc8cb2/Declaration_of_special_measures_chronic_wasting_disease__England_.pdf) (PDF, 172 KB, 3 pages)
- Chronic wasting disease: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64955d2b9e7a8b000c932a70/Chronic_Wasting_Disease_Declaration_of_Special_Measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 160 KB, 2 pages)
- Chronic wasting disease: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/649582ad9e7a8b000c932ab0/Chronic_Wasting_Disease_-_Declaration_of_Special_Measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 206 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 23 June 2023 until they are revoked or amended.

For more information about the risk of CWD being introduced into Great Britain, read the qualitative risk assessments (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chronic-wasting-disease-risk-assessments).

Find out the countries, territories and regions approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-great-britain-approved-countries-for-animals-and-animal-products).

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Europe

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) was recently reported for the first time in Europe and is now spreading. Outbreaks of EHD have been confirmed in:
- Italy on 8 November 2022
- Spain on 18 November 2022
- Portugal on 19 July 2023
- France on 19 September 2023
Importing animals and germinal products

These outbreaks affect animal health certification for imports into Great Britain of:
- live cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants
- germinal products (semen, ova and embryos) of cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants
Imports of these animals or products from EHD-affected countries must meet the requirements of the relevant health certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-certificates-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-to-great-britain).

Read how to prevent, spot and report epizootic haemorrhagic disease (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/epizootic-haemorrhagic-disease) for information on the latest situation, outbreak assessments, and advice on measures to protect against the disease.

Movement restrictions and testing after import

If you import susceptible animals from an affected country or a country within 150km of an affected country, APHA will contact you after import to arrange for the animals to be tested to confirm they are free of EHD. APHA will also place the animals under movement restrictions until it has confirmed they are disease free. You must not move the animals from the destination premises until you receive this confirmation. The process can take up to 2 weeks.

Imported animals that test positive for EHD may be culled or returned to the country of origin. Any animals that travelled in the same vehicle that are at risk of becoming infected may also be culled or returned. No compensation will be paid for the culled or returned animals.

If the animals you’ve imported test positive for EHD, you’ll be restricted from moving any susceptible animals on or off the destination premises until APHA has confirmed that the disease has not spread.

Small hive beetle in Réunion, an overseas territory of France

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of bees, apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment from Réunion, an overseas territory of France. This is due to an outbreak of small hive beetle. These measures are necessary to protect bee health in the UK.

These special measures apply from 26 May 2023 until they are revoked or amended.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Small hive beetle in Réunion: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/647076b280dffe001323ede2/Small_hive_beetle_in_R%C3%A9union_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 182 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Réunion: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/647076bf80dffe000c23edf3/Small_hive_beetle_in_R%C3%A9union_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 187 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Réunion: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64706ae280dffe000c23edd5/Small_hive_beetle_in_R%C3%A9union_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 128 KB, 2 pages)
Small hive beetle in the region of Calabria, Italy

The UK has suspended the import of bees, apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) from the region of Calabria in Italy. This is due to an ongoing outbreak of small hive beetle. These measures are necessary to protect bee health in the UK.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Small hive beetle in Calabria, Italy: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63c96d9cd3bf7f24b35c0f13/Small_hive_beetle_in_Calabria__Italy_-_declaration_of_special_measures__England_.pdf) (PDF, 43.7 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Calabria, Italy: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64706aaa80dffe000c23edd2/Small_hive_beetle_in_Calabria__Italy_-_declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 179 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Calabria, Italy: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63c96dc1e90e07071db36a94/Small_hive_beetle_in_Calabria__Italy_-_declaration_of_special_measures__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 127 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 17 January 2023 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Small hive beetle in the region of Sicily, Italy

The UK has suspended the import of bees, apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) from the region of Sicily in Italy. This is due to an outbreak of small hive beetle. These measures are necessary to protect bee health in Great Britain and are in addition to restrictions already in place for imports of these products from the region of Calabria in Italy.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Small hive beetle in Sicily, Italy: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67238ef159832068128c1e08/Small_hive_beetle_in_Sicily_Italy__declaration_of_special_measures__England.pdf) (PDF, 173 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Sicily, Italy: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67238f18bce643d1194f99ce/Small_hive_beetle_in_Sicily_Italy__declaration_of_special_measures__Scotland.pdf) (PDF, 108 KB, 2 pages)
- Small hive beetle in Sicily, Italy: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67238f058812c830eb8c1e14/Small_hive_beetle_in_Sicily_Italy__declaration_of_special_measures__Wales.pdf) (PDF, 193 KB, 2 pages)
These special measures apply from 1 November 2024 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Sheep pox and goat pox in Greece

Imports of the following ovine and caprine commodities from Greece have been temporarily suspended following an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox that was confirmed on 24 October 2023:
- live animals
- germplasm
- fresh or chilled skins and hides
Read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’, and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain).

For restrictions on fresh or chilled skins and hides, the safeguard declarations below give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland).

Read the:
- Sheep and goat pox in Greece: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/654cfcf7014cc90010677383/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Greece__England_.pdf) (PDF, 153 KB, 1 page)
- Sheep and goat pox in Greece: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/654cfd06c0e06800101b2cf5/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Greece__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 130 KB, 1 page)
- Sheep and goat pox in Greece: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/654cfd13014cc9000d67737c/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Greece__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 181 KB, 1 page)
These special measures apply from 10 November 2023 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.

Sheep pox and goat pox disease free status: Spain

Great Britain has recognised whole country freedom from sheep pox and goat pox in Spain. The restrictions on the import of ovine and caprine live animals and germplasm from Spain have now been lifted.

Bulgaria was recognised as free from sheep pox and goat pox at the same time was Spain, but it has now lost this status following an outbreak that was confirmed on 4 September 2024. New restrictions now apply to imports from Bulgaria (#sheep-pox-and-goat-pox-outbreak-in-bulgaria).

Read the ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4698a65d-1a3b-42d1-981e-df869e04185b/eu-and-efta-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) for more information.

For fresh or chilled skins and hides, the safeguard declarations published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) are revoked with effect from 17 April 2024.

Read the:
- Declaration revoking special measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Spain and Bulgaria (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661e5c127469198185bd3d6f/Declaration_revoking_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Spain_and_Bulgaria_Wales.pdf) (PDF, 144 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration revoking special measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Spain and Bulgaria (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661e5c4a7469198185bd3d70/Declaration_revoking_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Spain_and_Bulgaria_England.pdf) (PDF, 141 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration revoking special measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Spain and Bulgaria (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661e5c757469198185bd3d71/Declaration_revoking_special_measures_for_sheep_pox_and_goat_pox_in_Spain_and_Bulgaria_Scotland.pdf) (PDF, 86.3 KB, 1 page)
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Botswana

You can export fresh meat and by-products of ungulates from FMD-free areas of Botswana to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). You cannot export from restricted areas in Botswana.

Great Britain has assessed the disease control and regionalisation measures the Botswanan authorities have put in place to contain the FMD outbreak. As a result, Great Britain has resumed exports from FMD-free areas.

Find out the countries, territories and regions approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-great-britain-approved-countries-for-animals-and-animal-products).

Commercial import of dogs, cats and ferrets to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) from Belarus, Poland, Romania or Ukraine

If you commercially import dogs, cats and ferrets into Great Britain that originate from or have been dispatched from Belarus, Poland, Romania or Ukraine, you must have Approved Importer status.

Commercial imports are the sale of or the transfer of ownership of a pet animal. This includes rescue animals and if you are travelling with more than 5 dogs, cats or ferrets if these animals are not attending training for a competition, show or sporting event.

This special measure does not apply to non-commercial pet animals from these countries.

Find out how to apply for Approved Importer status (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-approved-importer-status).

This special measure replaces the temporary suspension of commercial imports of dogs, cats and ferrets from Belarus, Poland, Romania or Ukraine. It will apply until it is revoked or amended.

These countries present a high risk of rabies transmission.

Read the:
- Declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania from 29 October (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/635c0053d3bf7f20dd7c9ec5/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania_from_29_October__England_.pdf) (PDF, 84.9 KB, 5 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania from 29 October (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/636e7ca4e90e07186280f7d0/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania_from_29_October__England__-_amendment_11_November.pdf) (PDF, 67.9 KB, 2 pages)
- Declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania from 29 October (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/635c062fe90e070bbc6092d7/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania_from_29_October__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 92.9 KB, 4 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/637ccbd1d3bf7f5a0b33f878/Amendment_to_declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania__Scotland_.pdf) (PDF, 77.9 KB, 2 pages)
- Declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania from 1 November (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/635fbd68e90e0705b3c3ce54/Declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania_from_29_October__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 132 KB, 5 pages)
- Amendment to declaration of special measures for the commercial import of animals from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6373c420d3bf7f72115a8274/Amendment_to_declaration_of_special_measures_for_the_commercial_import_of_animals_from_Ukraine__Belarus__Poland_and_Romania__Wales_.pdf) (PDF, 58.2 KB, 2 pages)
Rodents imported from Lithuania

An ongoing outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis among the UK public has been linked to mice imported from Lithuania for use as animal feed, particularly for reptiles. The risk posed to public health has led to a decision to prohibit imports of feeder rodents (mice and rats for use as animal feed) from Lithuania into the UK, coming into force from 17 February 2022.

The following safeguard measures give effect to this decision. These are published on behalf of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland) and Food Standards Scotland:
- feeder rodents imported from Lithuania: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/620cebd3e90e0710acb253f3/lithuania-safeguarding-england.pdf) (PDF, 153 KB, 2 pages)
- feeder rodents imported from Lithuania: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/620cf9ffd3bf7f4f0190929e/lithuania-safeguarding-wales-english.pdf) (PDF, 181 KB, 2 pages), Welsh version (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/620cfa14d3bf7f4f0190929f/lithuania-safeguarding-wales-welsh.pdf) (PDF, 159 KB, 2 pages)
- feeder rodents imported from Lithuania: declaration of special measures (Northern Ireland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/620cfba2d3bf7f4f00af89ce/lithuania-safeguarding-northern-ireland.pdf) (PDF, 141 KB, 2 pages)
- feeder rodents imported from Lithuania: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/publications-and-research/publications/prohibition-on-feeder-rodents-imported-from-lithuania)
The special measures shall continue to apply until revoked or amended. The measures will be reviewed over the coming months to take into account any actions taken by the Lithuanian authorities to control the risk from imports of feeder rodents in the long term.

Lifting of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) measures: Chile

Following an outbreak of HPAI in Chile in March 2023, Great Britain has assessed the disease control and regionalisation measures implemented by the Chilean authorities to contain the outbreak. As a result, Great Britain has resumed imports from HPAI-free areas of Chile.

You can import the following products into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) from HPAI-free areas of Chile:
- live poultry and ratites
- hatching eggs of poultry and ratites
- fresh poultry, ratite and wild game bird meat
You cannot import these products from restricted areas of Chile.

Imports must meet the requirements of the relevant health certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-certificates-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-to-great-britain).

Read ‘Poultry and poultry products’ on the Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) page to find the restricted areas of Chile.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Japan

From 28 October 2022, the import of fresh poultry meat is suspended from Japan into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Additionally, the heat treatment category for poultry meat products has changed from ‘A’ (no specific treatment) to ‘D’ (minimum temperature of 70̊ C).

On 28 October 2022, 2 outbreaks of HPAI were confirmed in commercial poultry establishments in Japan. Restrictions will remain in place until Japan is recognised by the UK as disease free for HPAI.

Read ‘Poultry and poultry products’ and ‘Meat Products’ on the Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) page for more information about affected commodities.

Avian influenza (bird flu) outside the UK

This section was updated on 2 March 2023.

Our research reports (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-europe) provide preliminary and updated outbreak assessments for avian influenza (bird flu) in Europe, Russia and in the UK.

You cannot import poultry and poultry products into the UK from disease restricted zones around confirmed cases of avian flu in other countries.

You must continue to comply with specific requirements in Commission Regulation (EC) 798/2008 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32008R0798&from=EN#d1e1176-1-1) when importing poultry and poultry products.

Changes to the minimum surveillance period for imports of poultry and poultry products (including ratites) from bird flu affected countries

The surveillance period for imports of live poultry (including ratites) and certain poultry and ratite products from highly pathogenic avian influenza control zones has reduced from 90 days to 30 days. This follows an assessment of risk by Defra, Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Import requirements for Great Britain are now in line with the Terrestrial Animal Health code set by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH).

This is only available for countries approved to export to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-great-britain-approved-countries-for-animals-and-animal-products) and can demonstrate:
- adequate cleansing and disinfection has been carried out
- the required surveillance activity has been completed
- the zone has been lifted (minimum of 30 days after effective cleansing and disinfection)
The requirements are set out in the model health certificates for:
- poultry (live animals including hatching eggs) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-live-health-certificates)
- ratites (live animals including hatching eggs) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ratites-health-certificates)
- poultry meat (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-meat-health-certificates)
- ratite meat (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ratite-meat-health-certificates)
- meat products and meat preparations (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meat-products-health-certificates)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada and the United States of America

Defra has received notification of multiple outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by authorities in Canada and the United States.

The import of certain animals and products originating in, or dispatched from, the affected regions in both countries pose an unacceptable level of risk to animal health in Great Britain.

Imports to Great Britain of relevant poultry and poultry products (including hatching eggs and day old chicks) from affected regions of Canada and the United States are no longer authorised.

Read ‘Poultry and poultry products [EUR 2008/ 798]’ on the Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b92627b0-dd7b-4e1d-ba36-e25424f55eeb/non-eu-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain) page for more information about the affected commodities and regions.

This document supersedes the safeguard declarations published by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd (Wales), and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands (Scotland) which have now been revoked:
- Declaration revoking Special Measures for HPAI in Canada (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62deaf278fa8f56499111660/Declaration_revoking_Special_Measures_-_Canada_-_Scotland_signed_25_July_2022.pdf) (PDF, 106 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration revoking Special Measures for HPAI in the United States of America (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62deaf33e90e0766ad5a6f1c/Declaration_revoking_Special_Measures_-_US_-_Scotland_Signed_-_25_July_2022.pdf) (PDF, 106 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration revoking Special Measures for HPAI in Canada and the United States of America (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62deaf6ad3bf7f2d868e6a0f/Avian_influenza_-_Canada_and_US_revocation_directions_-_England.pdf) (PDF, 117 KB, 1 page)
- Declaration revoking Special Measures for HPAI in Canada and the United States of America (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62deafa78fa8f56499111661/Welsh_Government_-_Avian_influenza_-_Canada_and_US_revocation_directions_25_07_22.pdf) (PDF, 115 KB, 1 page)
Restrictions to trade first came into force on 25 March 2022 and will remain in place until the necessary conditions have been met to resume trade from the affected regions.

Lifting of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Ukraine

Since December 2020, imports of poultry products from Ukraine to Great Britain have been suspended due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Ukrainian authorities have supplied information to Defra about the epidemiological situation and the measures taken to control the outbreaks.

An assessment of risk led by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (in consultation with the Food Standards Agency) concluded that allowing imports of poultry products from Ukraine to resume poses an acceptable level of risk to public and animal health in Great Britain. This is provided the consignments originate from outside the areas affected by HPAI.

Based on that assessment, Defra, Scottish and Welsh governments have agreed to allow trade to resume.

A Statutory Instrument (The Approved Country Lists (Animals and Animal Products) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1454/regulation/2/made) came into force on 17 December 2021 to implement this decision.

Lifting of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Australia

Since July 2020, imports of poultry and poultry products from Australia to Great Britain have been suspended due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Australian authorities have supplied information to Defra about the epidemiological situation and the measures taken to control the outbreaks.

An assessment of risk led by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (in consultation with the Food Standards Agency) concluded that allowing imports of poultry and poultry products from Australia to resume poses an acceptable level of risk to public and animal health in Great Britain.

Based on that assessment, Defra, Scottish and Welsh governments have agreed to allow trade to resume.

A Statutory Instrument (The Approved Country Lists (Animals and Animal Products) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1454/regulation/2/made) came into force on 17 December 2021 to implement this decision.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Botswana

On 6 September 2021, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) was notified of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of subtype H5N1 by authorities in Botswana. The outbreak was confirmed on a poultry farm outside of Gaborone.

In order to prevent the introduction of HPAI into Great Britain, Botswana is no longer authorised to certify and export poultry of live breeding or productive ratites, day old chicks of ratites, hatching eggs of ratites and meat of farmed ratites to Great Britain for human consumption. Full details on the commodities affected and new restrictions are available in the declarations below.
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Botswana: declaration of special measures (England) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6155d0a8d3bf7f56080b19a8/bird-flu-botswana-declaration-england.pdf) (PDF, 19 KB, 2 pages)
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Botswana: declaration of special measures (Scotland) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6155d3db8fa8f52982a85fb3/bird-flu-botswana-declaration-scotland.pdf) (PDF, 27.7 KB, 2 pages)
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Botswana: declaration of special measures (Wales) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6155d3fad3bf7f55fc098cba/bird-flu-botswana-declaration-wales-english.pdf) (PDF, 20.9 KB, 2 pages), Welsh version (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6155d4098fa8f5297eda65fb/bird-flu-botswana-declaration-wales-welsh.pdf) (PDF, 21.5 KB, 2 pages)
These safeguarding measures prohibiting imports of susceptible commodities from Botswana are published on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (England), Scottish Ministers and the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales and the Trefnydd, (one of the Welsh Ministers).

These restrictions will be put in place until all the necessary criteria of assurances to resume certification of trade to Great Britain are met.

Avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK

This section was updated on 13 April 2022.

A collection of guidance and forms for importing and exporting live animals or animal products (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-importing-and-exporting-live-animals-or-animal-products) is available.

World Animal Health Organisation (WOAH) disease freedom

The UK is no longer free from avian influenza under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules. There are some restrictions on exports of affected commodities to third countries. Trade in poultry and poultry related products with third countries that do not require whole UK avian influenza country freedom may continue on the basis of the conditions included in the export health certificates, unless otherwise notified by the importing country.

Agreed export health certificates between the UK and importing countries are considered and issued on a case-by-case basis and can be certified by an Official Veterinarian only if the consignment meets the requirements set out in the export health certificates in full.

Exports to the EU

Exports from Great Britain to the EU of live poultry or poultry products are not permitted from disease control zones.

There are no restrictions on exports to the EU from outside the disease control zones.

The European Commission is currently considering amending the regionalisation of the UK in Regulation (EU) 2021/404 in relation to these new HPAI outbreaks.

To avoid disruption to trade, the European Commission has requested that EU countries consider continuing to accept certified poultry and poultry products from the UK, if they originate outside the restricted areas.

Imports from the EU

You cannot import poultry and poultry products into the UK from within avian influenza disease control zones in EU countries.

EU trade relies on strict certification for movement of live poultry, day old chicks and hatching eggs. Products such as poultry meat, table eggs and poultry products are not subject to certification within the EU.

Our avian influenza (bird flu) page (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england) covers the latest situation.

Go to bird flu cases and disease zones in England (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england) for information about cases and the measures that apply in disease zones.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk status of trading partners

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) has established a procedure for categorising the BSE risk status of countries or parts of countries as either ‘undetermined’, ‘controlled’, or ‘negligible’.

When WOAH changes the BSE risk status of a trading partner, Defra carries out an assessment. Based on that assessment Defra, with Scottish Government and Welsh Government, may agree to recognise and adopt the change in BSE risk status.

Importers and official veterinarians must be aware of the BSE risk status of trading partners when importing certain commodities to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

Find out the:
- animal health status of countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/b7712d2e-debb-4996-8e79-d27ca7492a00/animal-health-status-of-countries-approved-to-export-animals-and-animal-products-to-great-britain)
- countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-to-great-britain-approved-countries-for-animals-and-animal-products)
Crabs to Hong Kong: residue testing

This section was updated on 27 March 2019.

The import restrictions on live brown crab exported from Anglesey, Wales introduced by the Hong Kong authorities remain in place. Brown crabs from Anglesey, should not be exported to Hong Kong until the situation is resolved.

Restrictions on trade of agricultural commodities to the Russian Federation

This section was updated on 27 March 2019.

The Russian Federation has banned the import of a number of agricultural commodities from the whole of the EU including the UK and also the USA, Canada, Australia and Norway until December 2019. The ban was imposed on 7 August 2014.

Banned products

The ban covers many agricultural products, raw materials, plants and foodstuffs including most meat, dairy and fish.

If you need to check whether a particular product is affected, please contact APHA or Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) (#contacts).

Withdrawal of Export Health Certificates for the Russian Federation

In the light of this, APHA and DAERA have withdrawn all Export Health Certificates for the animals and animal products affected, for the duration of this ban. This also applies to consignments of these commodities transiting through the Russian Federation to another destination. But there may be exceptions so you should check.

Any exporter planning to send any consignment (including live animals) to the Russian Federation should get assurances from importers in the Russian Federation that the consignment will be accepted. If consignments of live animals are blocked at the border of the Russian Federation, re-entry into the UK or any other member state is not permitted under EU law. Exceptions may be considered in specific cases.

Read further guidance on exporting to Russia (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-russia).

Contacts

Contact APHA (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-apha) for advice about imports and exports to and from Great Britain.

Exporters in Northern Ireland should contact:
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contact)
- Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx
- email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)