June 29, 2009

The European Union and the US have complained to the World Trade Organization on India's curbs on imports of pigs and pork in the wake of the AH1N1 influenza pandemic are unjustified.

 

However, India responded that "it has scientific evidence of the risk" in pigs and pork from the US and EU.

 

India also been affected by AH1N1, which first broke out in Mexico and the US, and several cases have already been reported from various parts of the country.

 

The World Health Organization has reported 6,497 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza AH1N1 infection in 33 countries.

 

India earlier this month had banned the import of live poultry, meat and meat products, hatching eggs and egg products, live pig and pig products, and poultry from countries reporting avian influenza.

 

The EU had asked India to lift the "unjustified ban" since the disease is not present in its territory.