Russia has allowed imports of beef, including bone-in beef, from a number of EU countries, which was previously suspended due to mad cow disease (BSE).

Starting from May 7, Ireland and Spain may start imports of boneless beef derived from cattle, which have to be studied on BSE after slaughter and which age must not exceed 30 months, according to the Russian veterinary authorities.

Imports of boneless beef from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia has been allowed without studies on BSE, the authorities said, adding that imports of beef on the bone from these countries are allowed upon condition of animal study on BSE after slaughter. The age of all animals must be more than 48 months.

Germany, Italy and France may start imports of beef on the bone, upon the condition of study of cattle for BSE. The age of animals should be more than 30 months. Import of boneless beef from those countries is possible after the study on BSE, but the animals must be older than 48 months, the authorities added.

The decision was made taking into account the current situation in European countries regarding with BSE, according to Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor).