African Swine Fever
African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable animal disease which affects pigs. It does not affect humans and is not the same disease as classical swine fever or swine influenza. AIC continues to monitor the situation closely and is providing information which updates on the current ASF outbreaks in China and Europe and some informative work on risk assessment for feed materials and feed additives.
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Biosecurity guidance notes for feed deliveries in:-
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The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - ASF reminder
On 12 July, a FeedInfo headline made reference to fragments of ASF DNA found in meat confiscated at Northern Irish airports with the following report:-
''The UK government is warning against the biosecurity threats posed by travellers bringing meats across borders after tests of meat and other animal products confiscated at Northern Irish airports during the month of June was found carrying fragments of African Swine Fever DNA.
“Whilst this type of discovery in itself does not pose a significant threat to the animal health status of Northern Ireland nor does it affect the disease free status from ASF it does reinforce the importance of the controls on personal imports of meat and dairy products enforced by DAERA officials,” observed a statement from North Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.''
With the approach of the holiday season, AIC would urge members to remind all staff travelling overseas of the potential risks of bringing any meat back to the UK.
APHA is due to launch awareness campaigns at UK ports and airports within the next few weeks.
