Effectiveness of countermeasures applied in Belarus to produce milk and meat with acceptable levels of radiocaesium after the Chernobyl accident

Abstract

Countermeasures taken in Belarus to reduce transfer of radiocaesium from feeds to animals have combined live monitoring and monitoring of radiocaesium (137Cs and 134Cs) in bulk milk on dairy farms with the setting of upper limits for radionuclide contents for animal feeds. Only uncontaminated feeds have been used in the final fattening of animals before slaughter. Combined with widespread soil management programmes these measures have allowed the continued use of the majority of contaminated agricultural lands without substantial changes in farming practices.