Russia lifts meat bans on some US states

Russia has lifted bans on imports of meat from the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Michigan, which were among many US states that Moscow targetted amid the outbreak of AH1N1 flu.

According to media reports, Russia's animal and plant health watchdog also has relaxed a ban on Illinois, restricting only imports of live pigs and uncooked pork.

Russia has maintained bans on imports of all types of meat from Mexico, Central American and Caribbean states and the US state of Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, softer bans on imports of live pigs and raw pork are applied to Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah.