Russia bans pork from Brazilian municipality

Imports of raw pork and live pigs from the city of Dourado in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has been banned in Russian, after an outbreak of pig Aujeszky disease was registered in the city.

Aujeszky disease also known as pseudorabies is caused by a herpes virus and infects mainly pigs. Other domestic species, including cattle, may also be infected.

Brazil is an important supplier of pork to Russia and Rio Grande do Sul is one of the country's main pig-breeding state.

Meanwhile, pork production in Russia may meet consumer demand this year, thus virtually stopping their need to import pork.

Domestic production is expected to increase 8% while consumer demand is expected to be down about 20%.