Air travellers warned of Swine Fever risk to pigs

Airline travellers were urged to be aware of the risk posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) to the Irish pig industry if meat or meat products from affected animals are brought into the country.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed issued the warning after reports from a number of countries, including Northern Ireland, that traces of the virus had recently been detected in meat seized at airports.

Belfast officials said the discovery in itself does not pose a significant threat to Northern Ireland’s animal health status nor does it affect its disease free status from ASF.

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and usually fatal viral disease of pigs but has no implications for human health. However, it is a significant risk for trade in pigs, pork and pork products as well as for animal health and welfare. It has spread to countries worldwide including nine EU member states since 2014.

Ireland, which is free of the disease, has 1.7 million pigs and pig meat exports worth €666 million in 2018. Importing meat or meat products from non-EU countries is banned.

Department of Agriculture staff, with the Customs Service, carry out checks on passenger luggage at airports. Scanning equipment is used. A sniffer dog is also deployed at Dublin Airport.

Minister Creed said the critical control measure that will protect Ireland’s valuable pig industry is the implementation by farmers, both commercial and hobby, of strict biosecurity measures on farm. African Swine Fever can be kept out of Ireland, he said, if everyone, including farmers, veterinary practitioners, industry representatives and the public, play their part.

Airline travellers were urged to be aware of the risk posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) to the Irish pig industry if meat or meat products from affected animals are brought into the country.