March 28, 2012

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Rosselkhoznadzor are considering the cessation of ban on livestock imports for EU nations, the service's head, Sergey Dankvert, announced.

"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.

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.