During all-Russia conference, organized by Russian Tanners Union (RTU) on the 17th December, 2003, RTU and Russian Ministry of Agriculture agreed to work out together a federal 6-year program aimed at improving quality of hides and skins collected in Russia.
Measures against cattle hypodermatosis are considered to be an important part therein. Hypodermatosis is caused by gadfly larvae deposited in animals' skin. Infected animals loose weight, often scratch the sore spot causing defects on grain layer of the hide (skin). After hide of a such animal is flayed many small holes in the central area of the hide are usually found. Tanners usually pay 30-50% less for such hides. In Soviet Union serious preventive measures against hypodermatosis were taken. Now Russian authorities wish to reanimate the system of preventive veterinary measures against hypodermatosis and other animal diseases.

Source: Russian Tanners Union
14.04.2004