Brussels, 01/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 31 January, Russia decided to suspend its imports of animals from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, due to the outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus, following the detection of this new epizooty that affects sheep, goats and cattle. These temporary restrictions also cover genetic material from the countries concerned, announced Russia's veterinary surveillance services. Moscow is also maintaining its restrictions previously imposed on animal imports from the United Kingdom and from 1 February it will introduce restrictions on genetic material from the UK as well.
The European Commission criticised the measures taken by Russia and explained that there was no emergency health situation in Europe. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) confirmed that the Schmallenberg virus had been detected in November 2011 but that this virus could not be transmitted to human beings. (EH/transl.fl)