China has temporarily stopped issuing import permits for bovine blood products originating and exported from New Zealand. The reason is recently detected presence of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) during a consignment check. BVD is the cause of significant losses to both cattle and dairy industry around the world. Reportedly 60% of the cattle in New Zealand are exposed to BVD.
The import requirements of China for New Zealand bovine blood products do not include absence of BVDV. Clarification is currently sought from the Chinese veterinary health officials.
