Belarus tightens control over import of Russian pork

Belarus has tightened control over import from Russia of pigs, pork and pork products, as well as number of other goods which might cause the spread of the virus, due to the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV).

From now on, getting these products into the country will require permit from the Belarusian Agriculture Ministry's Department for Veterinary and Food Oversight, according to a letter from Rosselkhoznadzor (Russian agriculture watchdog) deputy chief Nikolai Vlasov, posted on the agency's Web site.

Permit requests must be submitted through the Argus system. Rosselkhoznadzor has added required information to the system at the Belarusian request. Permits can be obtained both by Belarusian and Russian residents.

The rules will remain in place until the ASFV situation in Russia has stabilized or pending a special resolution from the Belarusian authorities, Vlasov said in the letter.