The Russian veterinary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, may ban imports of live poultry from Germany, the Netherlands and possibly other European countries in light of reports on an outbreak of avian influenza in those countries, Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement published on its web site.

Kyiv Post cites a statement from the agency that said: "Judging by information possessed by Rosselkhoznadzor on the spread of subtype 7 low-pathogenic avian influenza in Germany and the Netherlands, a ban could, in the near future, be imposed on imports of live poultry from these countries and possibly other European countries, if this virus starts spreading there as well."

The agency is worried that the spread of the low pathogenic virus could cause an outbreak of highly pathogenic flu of the same type.

The agency plans to analyze the risks and, if the negative forecast is confirmed, take precautionary measures, it said.

Further Reading

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