Belarus imposes short-term limits on poultry exports

MINSK. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Belarus introduced short-term restrictions on the export of poultry meat in connection with the Games of the CIS countries, and they will soon be lifted, Ivan Smilgin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Director of the Ministry's Department of Veterinary and Food Supervision, said.

"From August 1, temporary restrictions were indeed introduced on the export of poultry meat from Belarus as a whole to foreign markets. First of all, this was due to the need to provide for the residents of our country and our guests as part of the Games of the CIS countries. Plus, we considered the price factor in foreign markets and the desire of our producers to export more abroad. But firstly, the decision was influenced by the influx of guests," Smilgin said, quoted by the BelTA state agency.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food on Monday held consultations on the export of poultry with Rosselkhoznadzor, he said. "There is a complete mutual understanding," the deputy minister noted.

He stressed that "we have no problems with poultry disease - neither with highly pathogenic avian influenza, nor with Newcastle disease; a full range of preventive measures are being taken, everything is under control."

According to him, these restrictions have already been lifted from three poultry farms, as well as restrictions on the supply of duck and turkey meat to foreign markets. "The export ban could even be lifted this week. The main thing is to get a guarantee from our producers that they will provide our retail chains with both broilers and cut meat for full demand," Smilgin said.

Earlier, Kommersant, citing sources, reported that Belarus had limited meat exports since the beginning of August (with the exception of exports to China), explaining this by the need to saturate domestic demand. At the same time, the publication cited two sources who suggested that the outbreak of bird flu could be the reason for the restrictions.

Rosselkhoznadzor did not receive notifications from the Belarusian side about the suspension of supplies and the occurrence of epizootic foci, Kommersant said.

From August 4 to August 14, major international sports competitions are being held in Belarus - the Second Games of the CIS countries. About 4,000 athletes will take part in the Games, the Organizing Committee said.