Situation status and background
On 17 March 2026, Greece notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of a confirmed case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) on the island of Lesvos. Since the initial case, additional outbreaks have been detected on the island.
Greece’s FMD-free status was suspended by WOAH, effective from 15 March 2026.
The European Union’s protocols for managing FMD are very strict, and FMD-restricted zones have been in place since 20 March 2026. These restrictions apply to the entire island of Lesvos.
How does this impact your imported animal products?
These animal products are eligible for entry into New Zealand using the normal clearance procedures:
- UHT dairy product
- extruded or canned/retorted pet food
- protein meal
- semi-processed leather and fully tanned hides and skins
- scored and/or dyed wool (for example, wool tops)
- a product (excluding game trophies) described under the import health standard Specified Animal Products (for example, gelatine, collagen, canned or retorted animal product).
Animal products accompanied by a health certificate that meets the requirements of an applicable import health standard are eligible for entry into New Zealand subject to normal clearance procedures. These products have been certified by Greek authorities as being sourced from animals outside of FMD-restricted zones.
Animal products not accompanied by a health certificate will be assessed according to risk.
How does this impact re-export of imported animal products?
Importers should be aware that the export requirements for animal products imported from Greece for further manufacturing in New Zealand may have changed. For enquiries about imported products intended for onward export, email tradeandinternationalrelations@mpi.govt.nz