The UK government has stated it will keep restrictions on French cheeses under review as outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) continue to spread across Europe. The disease, which causes fever, painful skin nodules, and swollen lymph nodes in cattle, has been confirmed in Italy, France, and Spain this year.
In response, Great Britain introduced a temporary ban on certain unpasteurised soft cheeses and dairy products from affected countries to prevent the disease from entering the UK. The ban applies to raw milk cheeses and fresh dairy products that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment or aging.
Lumpy skin disease is not a risk to humans, as it cannot be transmitted from animals to people. However, the government is taking precautions to protect British livestock, as an outbreak could have devastating consequences for the farming industry, reminiscent of the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis when over 6.5 million animals were culled.
A Defra spokesperson said: 'This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers and their herds from disease. Following outbreaks of lumpy skin disease across Europe, we have strengthened protections by introducing temporary restrictions on a small amount of imports, including some cheeses.'
French farmers have protested against culling measures, blocking motorways in the Ariège region. The UK restrictions will remain in place until it is determined that imports no longer pose an unacceptable risk.
