China has temporarily halted the supply of livestock and poultry products from 15 countries and regions to its market, in response to outbreaks of sheep pox and foot-and-mouth disease. The countries affected include Bangladesh, East Timor, Nepal, Pakistan, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Qatar, Palestine, Bulgaria, and Germany. The bans cover not only live animals but also raw and processed meat products. The decision was made by China's General Administration of Customs to protect its market from these diseases.