It is forbidden to take pork or sausage products from non-EU countries on private trips. Increased controls on travel over Christmas
Vienna (OTS) – African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in Europe and poses an enormous risk to domestic agriculture and wild boar populations. The ASP is currently very active in some Balkan countries. “In order to prevent the highly contagious animal disease from being introduced into Austria, there will be priority checks on travel in the coming weeks,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner, announcing a joint priority campaign by Austrian customs and the Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) over Christmas ), the Federal Office of Consumer Health (BAVG) and the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). The aim is “to create awareness, especially among travelers, that taking meat from non-EU countries is prohibited and is checked by customs,” says Brunner.
Introduction into Austria would have serious consequences for animals and businesses
Along with wild boars, humans are the main carriers of the virus infection, which is usually fatal for infected domestic pigs and wild boars. The virus itself does not pose a health risk to humans. Austria’s status as “free of ASF” is important because the high health status of domestic companies ensures the export of healthy animals and animal products and is therefore an important economic factor. It is therefore important that measures are taken to prevent the introduction of ASF. This primarily benefits animal owners who would be particularly affected by outbreaks in Austria and would have to contend with enormous economic damage.
Privately produced pork or sausage products from non-EU countries are prohibited
The ASP is currently very active, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. Due to the upcoming holidays and the associated travel from the affected countries, we expressly point out the risk of the virus being spread to Austria through pork or pork products brought with you. Taking such products (including raw ham, sausage products, meat spreads, etc.) from non-EU countries is prohibited. Household quantities may be taken from EU member states provided that the manufacturer has subjected them to proper veterinary inspection in the country of origin, which is to be assumed in any case for products that are regularly sold (e.g. supermarket goods).
However, meat or sausage products, particularly those from private production that have not been subject to official controls, pose a major risk to the Austrian animal population because the ASF virus can be contained in these products. If these are eaten by susceptible animals (improper disposal, feeding), an infection occurs that can spread quickly through the pig population and have serious consequences for wild animals and agricultural operations.
Feeding leftover food to domestic and wild pigs is prohibited in Austria
“African swine fever has not yet occurred in Austria. However, due to the numerous cases in southern Europe, the risk of introduction is very high,” emphasizes Health Minister Johannes Rauch. In order to detect outbreaks in the wild boar population at an early stage, he also appeals to the population: Across Austria, all wild boars found dead and suspected of being sick are legally required to be reported to the veterinary authorities. Please make an important contribution to maintaining the health of local animal populations and do not bring home-slaughtered pork and wild boar foods. Only throw leftover meat and sausages into stable and lockable garbage containers; in affected countries, avoid any contact with domestic pigs and wild boars if possible.
The coordinated information and control campaign by customs, the Ministry of Health, BAVG and AGES is one of many measures to counteract the introduction of African swine fever into Austria. Travelers are made more aware of the fact that they themselves are possible carriers, and illegally imported goods are removed from circulation. The earlier an outbreak is detected, the sooner it can be contained. Information materials on African swine fever for travelers can be downloaded in 16 languages at:
https://bit.ly/3NuaV3C
Further technical information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Health and AGES.
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