ABU DHABI: The UAE has banned the import of live animals and their byproducts from countries that have reported cases of bluetongue disease. The ban covers live animals, sperm, eggs and embryos, the UAE news agency WAM reported on Sunday.
The ruling, issued by Minister of Environment and Water Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, follows World Organization for Animal Health (WOIE) reports of the disease in live animals in some countries. The ruling also includes a series of health measures to allow the import of animals and their derivatives from permissible countries. To obtain an import license, importers should submit a certificate from suppliers confirming compliance with the WOIE’s health standards as stated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Bluetongue does not affect humans. It is a noncontagious, insect-borne viral disease affecting ruminants.
