August 19, 2013

Ukraine bans feed, grain imports from Russia

Due to foot-and-mouth disease, Ukraine banned the import and transit of feed and grain to the country from a number of administrative areas in Russia.

The Infrastructure Ministry informed the carriers about the message received from the deputy chief state inspector of veterinary medicine of Ukraine: "Because of the spread of foot-and-mouth animal disease in the territories of Siberia, the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts of Russia, the import and transit of feed and grain to Ukraine from these administrative territories of Russia is banned," the report says.

As reported, carriers will carry out import of other goods from this country, under the control of the State Service for Veterinary Medicine, "in accordance with veterinary requirements concerning import into Ukraine of objects of state veterinary and sanitary control and supervision".

According to vets, the ban could possibly be extended to the regions affected with African swine fever (ASF), and in this case it may have serious consequences for Ukraine's businesses. Experts note that with this step the supply of compound feed to Ukraine will be banned also from the Central Regions of Russia, where the largest feed mills are located.

The Infrastructure Ministry asks carriers to consider this information when planning transportation to or from the Russian Federation.