Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) is contemplating a suspension of poultry imports from the United States, which traverse Russian territory en route to Kazakhstan. This potential action is fueled by escalating concerns over the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks plaguing the U.S.
Rosselkhoznadzor’s proposed ban comes in light of the alarming tally of over 290 recorded HPAI cases in the U.S. this year. The agency’s primary objective is to safeguard both Russian and Kazakh territories from the potential spread of the disease. Reflecting the growing health concerns, imports from the U.S. destined for Kazakhstan via Russia have seen a significant decline, dropping from 23,000 tons in 2022 to just under 15,000 tons in 2023.
Beyond the avian flu issue, Rosselkhoznadzor has also highlighted other global health alarms, particularly the mass marine mammal fatalities reported in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Meanwhile, the U.S. is confronting a notable surge in HPAI cases. Notably, California has recently confirmed a staggering count of over 549,000 cases, encompassing both commercial layers and non-poultry entities.
As the global community grapples with these health challenges, the potential poultry import ban underscores the intricate balance nations must strike between maintaining trade relations and ensuring stringent biosecurity measures.
