Russian bans import of pigs, cattle, sheep and goats from EU over virus

The European Union has criticised Russia’s decision to prohibit imports of pigs, cattle, sheep and goats from the 27-nation bloc and said it will use “all opportunities” to ensure the ban is lifted.

Russia has outlawed the imports due to an outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus, which causes stillbirths and deformed offspring. Shipments of animals from Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg to other countries via Russia were halted on Mar 16.

“The trade in these live animals from the EU has in no way endangered the health of citizens of the Russian Federation and these restrictions are therefore not based upon scientific fact, necessity or proportionality in any way,” the European Commission said in a statement.