Russia reportedly renews ban on roo meat

Russia has reportedly renewed the ban on kangaroo imports, after discovering an illegal shipment.

The trade was only reinstated in December last year, for one Australian supplier, Macro Investments.

Exports to Russia had stalled for four years, with the Russians concerned about bacterial contamination.

Now, the Russian International newsagency, Novosti, says the Russian Government seized 18 tons of kangaroo meat in the far east, sent by an unauthorised supplier called Australian Meats.

Voiceless, the animal rights group, has welcomed the ban.

"The commercial kangaroo industry has been plagued with contamination issues, but of more concern is the inherent cruelty allowed to occur against kangaroos and their joeys," said Dana Campbell, Voiceless chief executive officer.

Kangaroo exports were worth $120 million before the 2009 ban, which halved the value of the trade.

The ABC has contacted the Australian Department of Agriculture for confirmation.

Source: ABC Rural News, 30 July 2013