Russia halts animal imports from parts of EU over virus

(MOSCOW) - Russia is suspending live-animal imports from parts of Europe over fears of a newly discovered virus that causes birth defects in sheep, goat and cattle, officials said Tuesday.

"From February 1, Russia is imposing temporary restrictions on the imports of animals and genetic material from Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France" because of the Schmallenberg virus, Russia's veterinary surveillance agency said in a statement.

The European Food Safety Authority has said the Schmallenberg virus, named after the town in Germany where it was first spotted in November, is not transmissible to humans.

Russia had already been restricting imports from Britain, where the virus was also detected.

The European Commission has condemned Russia's actions, saying there is no health emergency in Europe.