Italy took tough measures against the threat of foot-and-mouth disease today, imposing a global ban on imports of any livestock susceptible to the highly contagious virus.
The health minister said Italy was imposing a more stringent ban than that laid down by the European Union on Tuesday in order to ensure the "maximum precaution" against the disease.
"(Italy) has extended the ban on the import of animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth to all countries outside the EU as well as to EU countries," Health Minister Umberto Veronesi said in a statement.
The ban will remain in force at least until March 27th, the same expiry date as the block imposed by the EU.
Italy is not the first country to take extra measures beyond those adopted by the EU, but it has been the most stringent.
As well as the ban on all imports, Italy said it would only allow the transport of animals from farms to slaughterhouses and between farms, and said both moves would require written permission from health authorities.
It also banned fairs, markets and shows involving animals.
In their own measures to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth, EU vets meeting in Brussels yesterday decided the transport of animals susceptible to the virus would only be allowed between farms and from farms to slaughterhouses.
If transport involves a cross-border movement, 24 hours notice will have to be given, officials said.
They also lengthened their ban on exports of UK livestock and suspended livestock markets for at least one week.