Russian veterinary officials say that continuing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil mean that Russia will not be lifting a ban on imports of Brazilian meat and livestock in the near future, according to the Interfax news agency. The ban was introduced on September 20 this year. Russia is currently free from foot-and-mouth disease. Brazil exported 51,600 tonnes of beef to Russia in the first seven months of this year, accounting for 24% of overall Russian beef imports during the period.
