July 23, 2012

Russia has no plans lifting ban on EU cattle imports

In case the EU does not additionally guarantee the safety of supplies, Russia does not plan to lift its ban on imports of EU cattle, excluding breeding cattle, imposed in March over health concerns, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight said in a statement on Friday (July 20).

The statement followed negotiations between the service, Belarus' veterinary service, and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO).

The Russian watchdog believes that the danger of infecting the territory of the Customs Union comprising Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan is unacceptably high without extra guarantees and calls on other members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in particular, the US and Australia, to join restriction measures against the EU.

The service attributes the ban to an outbreak of the disease caused by the Schmallenberg virus, as well as the so-called bluetongue viral disease. Both viruses are extremely hazardous for livestock, the watchdog said then.