China announced that it has banned the import of sheep, goats and livestock products from Afghanistan, Palestine, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The decision was made due to concerns about the spread of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, sheep pox, and goat pox.

The ban, which covers African, Asian and European countries, comes after the World Health Organisation warned about the spread of animal diseases in various countries.

Foot-and-mouth disease and sheep pox are among the most dangerous animal diseases. Both diseases are mainly seen in African and Asian countries and have serious effects on other animals. Foot-and-mouth fever can lead to the death of animals in some cases.