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 from France and Italy, citing safety concerns after the detection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. Italy reported its first case in Sardinia on 21 June 2025, prompting the UK to revoke Italy’s LSD‑free status; France recorded a case near Chambéry on 29 June 2025.

The ban covers all cheeses made with unpasteurised milk, including artisan brie, roquefort, pecorino and mozzarella, as well as live cattle imports. Cheeses produced before 23 May may continue to be imported if proper paperwork is provided, so shortages are expected to develop gradually. The affected cheeses remain available throughout the EU, and officials stress that there is no risk to humans from consuming the cheese.

The measure aims to prevent further spread of the disease, which is transmitted by flies and mosquitoes, while vaccination programmes are underway in the affected French and Italian regions.