Exports of Colombian cattle to Venezuela will be restricted and made only through an international bridge near northeastern Cúcuta, reported Wednesday the Colombian government.

The action was taken to prevent domestic shortage and due to the high demand in Venezuela of meat and dairy products, resulting in a hike of prices in Colombia, explained Colombian Treasury Minister Oscar Iván Zuluaga, AFP quoted.

"Production in Venezuela is not enough to meet their needs. There is much demand of Colombian meat and dairy products," the minister said.

Colombia set already an export quota of 20,000 heads of cattle.
 
Exports of cattle to Venezuela rose 125 percent in 2005-2006, from 7,500 to 17,000 annual tons.

The move implies a ban on the passage of cattle to Venezuela through the Colombian departments of Guajira, Arauca and César.