France has banned imports of livestock from Ireland as concerns grow in Europe over the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
The decision to halt imports of cloven-footed animals is a preventative measure and made in collaboration with Irish authorities.
It also applies to imports of sperm and embryos from the banned livestock, which would be used to artificially inseminate animals in France.
The French agriculture ministry said a new ban would take effect on March 6 forbidding the transport of livestock to animal markets and fairs.
France said it would destroy 50,000 sheep as a precautionary measure and set up disinfection controls at its ports for vehicles arriving from Britain.
In the Czech Republic, passengers arriving at Prague's Ruzyne airport from Britain and Ireland will be asked to clean their shoes on specially laid rugs to prevent the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
Mr Josef Duben, a spokesman for the Czech veterinary authority, said tourists would also have to hand over all uncooked food they may have with them.
Checks for uncooked meat products are to be introduced at other Czech border crossings, mainly on the western border of the country.
The Czech authorities have also banned imports of British pork and livestock, following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth.
In Cyprus British military bases said yesterday passengers arriving from Britain will be also asked to walk on a disinfected mat or dip their shoes in a tray of liquid on arrival.
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