Russia – concerned over the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diahorrhea virus (PEDv) in U.S. pig populations, announced last week it was suspending U.S. imports of live pigs effective from May 30.
The disease has already killed about 10 percent of the U.S. pig population. It is reportedly spreading across other countries such as Mexico, Canada, China and Japan. Russia’s ban on imports is intended to prevent the spread of the disease into that country, which has so far not been affected.
Russia is one of the main import customers for live pigs from the U.S.A. China and Mexico are also major importers. China reportedly suspended imports of live U.S. pigs earlier this spring.