Russia has banned imports of Dutch animal products over fears surrounding a new virus affecting livestock in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The Dutch Economics and Agriculture Ministry made an announcement on Wednesday, stating that Russia has banned imports of sheep and goat meat, sperm, embryos and live animals, although little is currently known about the disease, named for the German town in which it was discovered.

image expired

The disease was discovered late last year; it causes fever, milk-drop syndrome and sometimes diarrhoea in infected cattle and can lead to stillbirths, foetal abortions and deformations in ruminants. It is currently believed the disease is transmitted by insects and, as such, the Netherlands’ animal health authority said that further circulation is unlikely until after the winter.

20 farms in Germany, 52 farms in the Netherlands, and 23 in Belgium have reported the disease. Although there have been no reports in the UK, industry bodies are asking farmers to remain vigilant. There are currently no other restrictions in place, but farmers have been advised to consult their vet before going through with purchases from infected regions.

The Dutch authorities said that exports of goat and sheep products to Russia are very small, so the effects of the ban will be minimal. Mexico has also introduced a similar ban and China looks set to follow suit.

Tweet