UK bans raw‑milk cheese imports from France and Italy over Lumpy Skin Disease

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has prohibited the import of raw‑milk cheeses and live cattle from France and Italy, citing the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. The ban applies to any cheese made from unpasteurised milk, such as artisan brie, Roquefort, Vacherin, mozzarella and pecorino, although cheeses produced before 23 May can still be imported with the required paperwork.

Italy recorded its first LSD case in Sardinia on 21 June 2025, prompting the UK to revoke Italy’s LSD‑free status. France reported a case near Chambéry on 29 June 2025, leading to quarantine zones and vaccination programmes. The UK says there is no risk of the disease being transmitted to humans through cheese consumption. While the affected cheeses remain available throughout the EU, UK consumers will face shortages as the ban is implemented.