Belarus to restrict animal product imports from Germany over foot-and-mouth disease

January 14, Pozirk. Belarus will restrict the imports of meat and dairy products from Germany starting January 15 after an outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease, Russian veterinary authority, Rosselkhoznadzor, has announced, citing the Belarusian agriculture ministry’s decision.

The latter, however, has not posted any notice to that effect.

Rosselkhoznadzor joined the restrictions and called on the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) to assess the measures taken to control the movement of animals and animal products.

Last week, a farmer in the Brandenburg state found three of his water buffaloes dead. Tests confirmed the foot-and-mouth disease, Germany’s first outbreak in 35 years. Brandenburg authorities banned animal transport for three days to contain the virus and slaughtered animals at several farms as a precautionary measure.