Nigeria bans imports of European beef, livestock

Nigeria banned all beef and livestock imports from Europe today because of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain and France.

The ban specifically includes beef and livestock usually imported from European countries, especially from the UK, junior farm minister Mr Chris Agbobu said after a cabinet meeting.

He said the ban would stay in force until the situation in Europe improves.

He gave no import figures, but trade analysts said the volumes were relatively small.

Outbreaks of foot and mouth are common in Nigeria, especially in the arid and dusty north where livestock is kept mainly by nomadic Fulanis.

Few Nigerians pay attention to frequent reports of such outbreaks and the government rarely announces any special measures.