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Russia to restrict transit of EU cattle, sheep, goats on March 16

The restrictions derive from the continuing spread of the Schmallenberg virus in EU member countries

MOSCOW, March 6 (Itar-Tass) —— The Federal Veterinarian and Phytosanitary Control Service will restrict transit of cattle, sheep and goats from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg to third countries on March 16, 2012.

The restrictions derive from the continuing spread of the Schmallenberg virus in EU member countries.

In addition, the service will restrict imports of cattle, sheep and goats and brood material from Italy and Luxembourg.

Earlier reports said that on March 20 Russia would suspend the imports of live cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from the EU due to the wide spread of the Schmallenberg virus and the bluetongue insect-borne viral disease in some EU member states.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the service has not received full information from the European Union concerning measures taken to contain the disease and related research.

The service invited EU experts to visit Moscow for discussing the situation.