Dutch minister permits pig exports to Russia

Dutch agriculture Minister, Gerda Verburg has reluctantly given permission allowing live pig exports to Russia. There were no legal possibilities to prohibit the move, according to a letter she wrote to Dutch Parliament.

Russia made a request for Dutch pigs according to the sector, with Russian veterinarians seeking Dutch support in making exports possible.

The export of live pigs to Russia goes against the animal well-being policy, finds Verburg, who considers the chance small that exporters in Russia will observe European transport regulations.

Verburg is also apprehensive about the risks of disease from Russia, where there are regular outbreaks of classical and African swine fever.

Click here for the free Pig Progress newsletter

Editor PigProgress