March 11, 2004

Russia May Extend Poultry Ban To All US Birds

Russia has expanded its ban on US poultry imports to include most poultry and poultry products from Maryland after an outbreak of bird flu there.

Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev has said Russia could consider banning all imports of US poultry if the outbreaks are not contained.

The Russian agriculture ministry said the Maryland ban includes live birds, hatching eggs, poultry meat and all poultry products that have not undergone heat treatment, as well as poultry feed, reported Reuters.

Russia has already placed similar bans on poultry from Texas and Delaware after bird flu outbreaks.