Russia does not intend to annul the quarantine with regard to meat from Europe

Russia does not intend so far to annul its quarantine concerning meat import from Europe which was prompted by the foot and mouth epidemic in several European states, Russian Vice Premier and Minister of Agriculture Alexei Gordeyev told journalists on Monday. The ban on meat import was introduced on March 26, this year, for a term of 21 days. However, since the last outbreak of this disease was registered on April 5, the 21-day quarantine to meat import to Russia, according to medical norms, will be in force, beginning with the latter date. Alexei Gordeyev added that in case no other outbreak of the disease does not happen during this quarantine, the ban would be annulled. In case of the repetition of the outbreaks of the foot and mouth disease, the quarantine will be prolonged for another 21 days since the last outbreak. Answering questions, Alexei Gordeyev pointed out that despite the quarantine, the Russian market did not experience meat problems. "The European deliveries accounted for 30 percent of meat products in Russia. Now their place will be taken by deliveries from Ukraine and Belarus," remarked the vice premier. In conclusion he said that at the end of this week the Ministry of Agriculture will consider the situation arising in Europe in connection with the foot and mouth epidemic.

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