China has implemented a sweeping ban on livestock imports from several countries to curb the risk of animal disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease, sheep pox, and goat pox. The decision, announced by the General Administration of Customs on 21 January, follows reports from the World Health Organization about the emergence of these diseases in multiple regions.
The ban encompasses a broad spectrum of livestock, such as sheep, goats, poultry, and even-toed ungulates, alongside processed and unprocessed products derived from these animals. Affected countries include Ghana, Somalia, Qatar, Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Bulgaria, East Timor, and Eritrea. Additionally, imports from Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh have been suspended due to the prevalence of sheep pox and goat pox in these nations.
China has also ceased imports of even-toed ungulates and related products from Germany after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was reported in the country.
As the world’s largest meat importer, China has taken these preventative measures to protect its domestic agricultural and food sectors. Foot-and-mouth disease, in particular, poses a significant threat due to its rapid spread and potential to devastate livestock herds, impacting both animal health and public safety.
Authorities emphasized the importance of these restrictions in safeguarding China’s food security and maintaining public confidence in its agricultural sector. These measures reflect China’s ongoing commitment to preventing the introduction of diseases that could jeopardize its livestock industry and the broader economy.
Although the bans are not expected to cause immediate disruptions to China’s food supply, they are likely to affect global trade, particularly for countries heavily reliant on livestock exports to China. The move reinforces China’s strict biosecurity protocols, as the nation has historically imposed similar bans during past disease outbreaks.
The General Administration of Customs confirmed that it will continue to closely monitor global disease developments and revise its import policies as necessary. Experts anticipate that China will maintain a vigilant stance to protect its agricultural systems from potential economic and health risks.
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