Why is Lumpy Skin Disease blocking the export of certain Italian bovine products to the United Kingdom?
In June 2025, an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), also known as Contagious Nodular Dermatitis, was confirmed in Italy. This is a viral disease affecting cattle, primarily transmitted by insect vectors such as flies and mosquitoes, with effects that can severely compromise animal welfare and health security.
But what does this actually mean for those working in food exports? And why has the UK decided to suspend certain imports?
Lumpy Skin Disease: what you need to know
Lumpy Skin Disease is not dangerous to humans, but it is one of the notifiable animal diseases under the WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) Terrestrial Code. Its main symptoms include:
- High fever
- Widespread skin nodules
- Decreased milk production
- Reproductive issues
Its impact is therefore both health-related and economic, especially for farmers, producers and those operating within the food supply chain.
What are the trade consequences?
Following confirmation of the outbreak in Italy, the United Kingdom has suspended imports of certain categories of Italian bovine products. This measure specifically applies to:
- Live animals
- Germplasm
- Offal (excluding diaphragm and masseter muscles)
- Raw milk and derivatives, including colostrum
- Untreated hides and skins (except in specific cases defined by the WOAH Code)
- Animal by-products (excluding casings, gelatine, collagen, tallow, hooves and horns) if not heat-treated at a minimum of 65 °C for 30 minutes
What is the current status?
UK port health authorities are detaining all Italian products falling into the categories listed above. Even products processed in Italian facilities are subject to this block. Italian veterinary authorities cannot currently issue health certificates for these products. There is a possibility of a partial reopening for pasteurised dairy products, but there is still no official confirmation. A risk assessment is also under way for low-risk composite products containing bovine ingredients.
What does this mean for those shipping food products?
For those working in temperature-controlled transport, it is essential to understand that shipping restricted products now carries a real risk of customs holds and delays in the supply chain.
Fresh Ways advises, at this stage, not to plan shipments to the UK for the categories listed, until further notice. Currently, no end date for the measure has been set by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).
Why is it important to talk about this?
In an international context where food safety and product traceability are increasingly central, events like this remind us how important it is to stay up to date on regulations, health risks and customs requirements.
Our commitment, as specialists in international food transport, is also to inform and support our customers through these complexities, offering appropriate operational solutions and maintaining constant dialogue with the relevant authorities.
