Guidance

17 April 2025: Restrictions on the import of bovine embryos from Israel due to ongoing outbreaks of foot and mouth disease

Updated 30 April 2025

OVS note number: 2025/30 

Date: 17 April 2025 

Purpose 

To inform you that due to ongoing outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Israel, imports of bovine embryos from Israel to Great Britain are suspended. 

Background 

Israel is not considered free of foot and mouth disease (FMD), due to ongoing outbreaks of FMD (WAHIS).   

Having assessed the risk associated with FMD in Israel, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance has today (17 April 2025) amended the bovine embryos list to suspend imports of bovine embryos from Israel to Great Britain. 

As Israel is not approved for any other FMD-susceptible commodities, no other restrictions are required.    

Contact point for enquiries 

Email: bbtp-issue-triage@defra.gov.uk 

 imports@apha.gov.uk 

Imports and EU Trade Team