"The Russian Veterinary and Phyto-Sanitary Control Office is imposing, starting December 1, temporary restrictions on the import of pigs, pork, and raw pork-containing products from the Republic of Slovakia, as well as all cooked foods with pork," the press release says.
The ban has been imposed to prevent the spread of the hog cholera epidemic into Russia.
Hog cholera is a viral disease, with symptoms such as fever and hemorrhage of blood vessels and haematogenic organs. The mortality rate is 80 to 100 percent. Pigs of all ages and breeds are prone to the disease. Contamination can occur through the digestive system, respiratory organs, and skin injuries.
In the event of a hog cholera outbreak, quarantine shall be established; all the animals infected or suspected of being infected are to be slaughtered and the healthy ones, vaccinated.
