23 April 2025: Update on import restrictions related to bovine offal from Japan due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease
Updated 23 April 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/23-april-2025-update-on-import-restrictions-related-to-bovine-offal-from-japan-due-to-an-outbreak-of-lumpy-skin-disease
OVS note number: 2025/31
Purpose
To inform you that due to recent outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in Japan, imports of bovine offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles) are suspended.
Background
Japan notified WOAH of its first case of lumpy skin disease (LSD) which was confirmed on 6 November 2024 in cattle on a dairy farm in the Fukuoka Prefecture: WAHIS.
In response to this outbreak, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance took action in December 2024 to suspend imports of the following bovine commodities from Japan (see OVS Note 2024/55):
1) raw milk and raw milk products, including raw colostrum
2) hides and skins, unless they have been treated in line with point 2b, c, or d of article 11.9.13 of the WOAH terrestrial code. This means they have been either:
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dry-salted or wet-salted for a period of at least 14 days prior to dispatch
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treated for a period of at least 7 days in salt (NaCl) with the addition of 2% sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)
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dried for a period of at least 42 days at a temperature of at least 20°C
3) All other animal by-products (except gelatine and collagen, tallow, and hooves and horns), unless they have undergone heat treatment to a minimum internal temperature of 65°C for at least 30 minutes.
Following a review of the relevant commodities and the risk associated with LSD, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance amended the fresh meat of ungulates list on 22 April 2025 to suspend imports of bovine offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles) from Japan. This has been achieved through the insertion of Specific Condition 1 (SC1) to Japan’s entry in the list.
Imports from Japan of bovine meat derived from skeletal muscle are not impacted by this measure and continue to be permitted.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: bbtp-issue-triage@defra.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team