March 26, 2012

Russia may remove several EU countries' hog import ban

The ban on cattle, sheep, goat, and hog imports for several EU countries may be lifted by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, the service's head Sergey Dankvert announced Friday (Mar 23).

Dankvert pointed out that the ban could be lifted for Denmark and Spain first.

"If someone proves that they have a system, we will lift the restrictions. Our evidence basis differs from that of Europe. Denmark works efficiently and we will review their issue. Spain has limited the potential number of hog suppliers after the ban, said Dankvert. "Germany did the same, however, it turned out that its federal service did not have the right to issue export permits".

Dankvert emphasised that the ban will not be lifted for all countries, since not all of them can guarantee the safety of their products.

As reported, Russia banned import of livestock, sheep, goats and hogs from EU member states as of March 20 due to the spread of Schmallenberg virus in Europe.

In Latvia, the ban concerns 22 farms, as well as 35 farms in Lithuania, 43 in Estonia, 509 in Germany, also farms in Poland and the other EU member states, Food and Veterinary Service Director Maris Balodis told "Nozare.lv". Latvian farmers do not export cattle, sheep and goats to Russia.