"Starting from November 15, we are limiting deliveries of live pigs from Germany because there are no safety guarantees," head of the veterinary service Rosselkhoznadzor Sergei Dankvert was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

According to Expatica.com, under the current rules, Germany can export pork to Russia only 30 days after using antibiotics on the product, Dankvert argued. However the rules have not been applied on live pig exports.

"After importing pigs, we have to hold them for a month, the time needed to clear them of antibiotics," Mr Dankvert said.

He added that live pig imports will be stopped until Germany's veterinary service provides guarantees regarding their antibiotic content.

"We need guarantees from Germany's veterinary service and as long as we don't have them, deliveries of live pigs from this country will be stopped."

Last month, Russia sent 25,000 tonnes of German pork back citing concerns over a bacteria infection. Earlier this year, it halted pork imports over a dioxin poisoning scare.

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