EU to resist SBV trade restrictions
The European Commission has confirmed that it will oppose attempts to impose trade restrictions motivated by concerns over the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). Russia imposed a livestock imports ban with emphasis on cattle in February and other countries have either indicated that they are contemplating similar restrictions or have already done so.
After a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health (ScoFCAH) in Brussels, the Commission confirmed that “The Committee maintained the firm position that any trade restriction or request for additional certification on live animals or their products due to the occurrence of SBV in the EU are considered as disproportionate and scientifically unjustified. The EU remains united and strong on this issue and further steps are being undertaken by the Member States to keep the situation under constant assessment and to fill the knowledge gaps by means of targeted scientific studies that will be co-financed by the EU.”
At the most recent count, the Schmallenberg Virus has been confirmed as present on 2083 farms across seven EU member states. Germany (where the virus was first detected) has been hardest hit with 894 cases, with France registering 670 cases, Belgium registering 213, and the Netherlands registering 153.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
