Russian plague outbreak could force EU to shut borders within hours should crisis deepen

 A suspected outbreak of the pneumonic plague in Russia could force the European Union to close its borders "within hours".

Margus Tsahkna, Estonia's Foreign Minister, said his country was prepared to slam shut crossing points with Russia after the death of 28-year-old lab assistant Daria Shipilova at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute.

Moscow has been accused of covering up a wider outbreak as health officials insist there is no transmission of the infectious disease and life has continued without disruption.

Mr Tsahkna told reporters at Estonia's embassy in London on Wednesday that his country could "close the border within hours if there is need for that".

"We have two border points," he said. "We control every asset, every person, every car, everything which is crossing the border. We can close it very quickly.

"The readiness is always there. As a bordering country, we have a responsibility for Europe as well."

Several non-European countries have already tightened their borders with Russia.

Kyrgyzstan ordered enhanced sanitary surveillance at every border crossing, Kazakhstan has implemented preventative measures at its border, and Uzbekistan has stepped up monitoring and screening protocols for incoming travellers.