July 2, 2008
Russia bans beef from two Brazilian states due to VSV infection
Russia has banned beef and cattle imports from Brazilian states of Pernambuco and Goias after a case of vesicular stomatitis (VSV) was detected, according to Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor on Tuesday (July 1, 2008).
Aside from beef and cattle, Russia has also included pigs, horses and deer imports from the two Brazilian states on its ban list.
The ban, however, will not apply to beef produced before June 11, Rosselkhoznadzor said.
VSV causes blister-like lesions to form in the mouth, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves and teats of cattle, horses and swine, as well as other wild animals such as deer.
Brazil is the world's leading beef exporter and Russia is one of its key markets.
