This decision was made „in connection with the need to harmonize Russian legislation with international „as well as taking into account multiple detections of ruminant DNA in imported feed. This poses a risk of skidding spongiform encephalopathy agents (so-called „mad cow disease”) on the territory of Russia, Rosselhoznadzor quoted Interfax. The restriction applies to processed animal protein intended for feeding to productive animals. At the same time, it does not apply to food protein obtained from fish processing. All previously issued permissions by Rosselkhoznadzor to import these products to Russia for animal feeds are cancelled. All feed, shipped to Russia before the 26 March 2012, was received as usual. The rules for imports of animal protein for petfood does not change, said the representatives of veterinary service. As stated previously the head of Rosselkhoznadzor Sergei Dankvert, “we are talking about banning imports of products manufactured but not used in the EU countries”. He also noted that in European countries, there are workings regulations according to which part of the materials derived from animal waste, cannot be used in the territory of the Union. Dankvert also pointed out that the supply of fish meal will be held under strict control, as Rosselkhoznadzor recently detected number of cases where the meal was mixed with meat and bone meal from ruminant animals. Last week Rosselkhoznadzor also has banned the purchase of live pigs, cattle, sheep and goats from the EU. This measure Rosselkhoznadzor made due to the numerous outbreaks of Schmallenberg virus in the EU countries, and a wide spread of other viral diseases, such as bluetongue. Both viruses are very dangerous to livestock. The representatives of veterinary service also add that the EU has already expressed deep disappointment with the imposed embargo.