Why do import bans include animal products and foods? Is there a food safety issue?
All products obtained from infected animals and any products coming into contact with them must be considered infected. FMD virus infection is not readily transmissible to humans. Bans on animal products and related food products are related to the possibility of those products carrying the virus and thereby infecting susceptible animals. The OIE has developed standards for the inactivation of virus present in meat, milk for human or animal consumption, hides, wool, hair and bristles.
