China has banned the import of ruminant animals and related products from Poland and Croatia following a bluetongue disease outbreak. The restriction comes after both countries reported new cases to global authorities.

China's General Administration of Customs announced on December 9 that the direct and indirect import of ruminants from Poland and Croatia would be prohibited due to recent bluetongue disease cases. The disease, caused by the bluetongue virus, was reported in one Polish province and two counties in Croatia. Both countries notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the outbreaks.

The virus, a growing concern in Europe, has been spreading in recent months. Earlier reports indicated the emergence of a new variant, BTV3, which began circulating in the Netherlands in October 2023 and has since expanded to Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

This ban marks a significant step by China to safeguard its livestock population from the potentially harmful disease. The restriction could affect the demand for certain livestock products and disrupt trade, particularly as ruminant exports from these regions are key in global agricultural markets.

Bluetongue disease, transmitted by biting midges, affects animals such as cattle and sheep.