By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Brussels : The European Commission has condemned Russia’s decision to ban livestock import from Europe following the spread there of the Schmallenberg and Bluetongue viruses.
Russia imposed a temporary ban Tuesday on imports from all European Union countries, saying the country’s veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor had not yet received detailed information from the EU concerning measures taken to contain the viruses and the results of related scientific research.
The commission said the ban imposed by Moscow was groundless and unjustified on the basis of the present scientific data and international standards, including the norms of the World Trade Organization.
European scientists say the Schmallenberg virus poses no risks to human health and have imposed no restrictions on the meat trade and cattle transportation.
Schmallenberg virus, named after the German city where it was first identified in August 2011, is spread by blood-sucking insects.
The infection causes fever, gastrointestinal disorders, miscarriages and and a sharp drop in milk production.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne disease among ruminants, mainly sheep, which causes excessive salivation, swelling of the face and tongue.