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July 6, 2009
Russia lifts flu-linked pork ban on four US states
Russia on Friday (July 3) lifted a ban on swine and pork imports from four US states, as President Barack Obama prepared to visit Moscow.
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The decision affects imports from Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and New Jersey "because the animal disease linked to (the swine flu virus) has stabilised," said sanitary and veterinary authority Rosselkhoznadzor, quoted by Itar-Tass news agency.
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The ban had been imposed on June 3 because of the spread of the virus that causes swine flu, said Rosselkhoznadzor, without elaborating.
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According to the latest toll published by the World Health Organization, the AH1N1 virus has infected 89,921 people in 125 countries and territories and killed 382.
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The US president is due to visit Moscow Monday through Wednesday in a bid to "reset" relations with Russia that were badly strained under the administration of his predecessor, George W. Bush.
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