The EU's Standing Veterinary Committee has banned the export of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats from France following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the western department of Mayenne. The committee also banned meat and dairy products from Mayenne and a neighbouring department.
EU officials said last night that, if further cases are found elsewhere in France, the ban on meat and dairy products could be extended throughout the country.
Regional German states announced the seizure or destruction of meat or animals recently imported from France. The west German state of North Rhine-Westphalia ordered the destruction of all animals imported from France in the past three weeks or coming from herds which may have been in contact with the disease, and banned the import of animals from France.
Veterinary experts in Italy have tested sheep imported from France to the central Abruzzi region, which may have been infected with the virus. A meat-processing plant at Pianella imported the sheep from France and other unspecified countries. Results of blood tests are expected later today.
Preliminary tests showed nine animals had developed antibodies. This indicated they had either come into contact with the virus or had been vaccinated.
