Russia introduces ban on the import of foodstuffs from UK

The Russian Veterinary Service has introduced a comprehensive ban on the import of all livestock and meat products from Britain, in response to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease among swine in Britain. The Russian Agriculture Ministry's veterinary department has reported that the ban came following the receipt of official papers from the British Veterinary Service and International Office of Epizoothies confirming cases of the highly infectious disease, Interfax reports. The ban will be in force until the epidemic has been eradicated and the British veterinary service has warranted British meat safe, the department said.