Australia placed a ban today (March 14) on all imports of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease and their products, from the European Union and from any country in which foot and mouth disease is endemic or in which there is an outbreak. Horses and are not susceptible to foot and mouth disease, but have the potential to come in contact with affected farms and carry the disease on their bodies.

The temporary action follows the recent outbreak of the disease in the United Kingdom and news of outbreaks in France.

According to the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service, the measures are consistent with the country’s cautious approach to quarantine and will be reviewed on a daily basis and modified as necessary. Surveillance of passengers, mail and courier items from all countries with foot and mouth disease will also be strengthened.

Additional X ray units and three detector dog teams are being deployed at international mail and courier centers and in airports to detect importation of animals or products that potentially carry the disease