Russia suspects Belarus of hiding African swine fever outbreaks

MOSCOW, Apr 10 (PRIME) -- Russia suspects veterinary services of Belarus of hiding outbreaks of African swine fever, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov said at a ministerial meeting on Tuesday.

“An African swine fever virus was found yesterday in ready meat products which arrived from Belarus. It seems that our colleagues in the Belarusian veterinary services are hiding the outbreaks of African swine fever on the territory of the republic,” Tkachyov said.

The service increased laboratory control of products of more than 10 Belarusian meat and dairy product makers in March. It plans to suspend imports of a wide range of dairy products from Belarus but the date has been postponed several times as the veterinary authorities continue negotiations.

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