USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) added Thailand to the list of countries it considers affected by African swine fever effective Jan. 10. Although import of live swine, swine germplasm and unprocessed products and by-products were already prohibited due to the presence of other swine diseases in Thailand, APHIS stresses the importance of strict adherence to the following rules until further notice.
1. Import of live swine and swine germplasm continues to remain prohibited.
2. Processed pork products and by-products imported from Thailand as cargo must be accompanied by a VS import permit and/or government certification or both confirming that the products were treated according to APHIS requirements.
3. Processed pork products and by-products imported from Thailand in passenger baggage must be shelf stable as a result of APHIS approved packaging and cooking or be accompanied by a VS import permit and/or government certification or both confirming that the products were treated according to APHIS requirements.
In addition, APHIS said that unprocessed pork products and by-products imported from Thailand as cargo will not be permitted to enter unless consigned to an USDA approved establishment. Travelers should note that unprocessed pork products and by-products entering/imported from Thailand in passenger baggage are prohibited, except for fully taxidermy finished trophies or not-fully finished trophies that are consigned to a USDA approved establishment.
ASF is a deadly disease of swine only and poses no human health or food safety risks. The disease is a high priority to keep out of the U.S.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Crocodile Meat Threatens to Replace Pork in Thailand
Will Pork Processing Pinches and Fading Export Expectations Hinder Hog Prices in 2022?
Two More Countries Confirm Outbreaks of Deadly African Swine Fever Virus
Thailand Rejects Allegations of African Swine Fever Cover-Up
Pet Pig’s Death Prompts African Swine Fever Probe in Thailand
