After an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the Balkans, customs controls in our region are now being tightened.
“To prevent the highly contagious animal disease from being introduced into Austria, priority checks on travel will take place in the coming weeks,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP).
Customs’ main actions with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG) and the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) will take place during the Christmas period. African swine fever poses a huge risk to local agriculture and wild boar populations, the broadcast said. The aim is “to create awareness, especially among travelers, that bringing meat from non-EU countries is prohibited and controlled by customs,” says Brunner.
Disease is usually fatal
African swine fever is harmless to humans; the disease cannot be transmitted to humans through the consumption of pork or through contact with animals. However, the disease is usually fatal to affected domestic or wild pigs.
Austria must remain “free from ASF” to continue exporting healthy animals and animal products. Appropriate measures must therefore be taken now, the Ministry of Finance said.
Introduction feared on public holidays
African swine fever is currently mainly active in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. In connection with the upcoming holidays and expected travel to the affected countries, the Ministry of Finance expressly points out the risk of the virus being spread to Austria via pork or pork products brought with it. Bringing affected products, including raw ham, sausages or meat spreads, from non-EU countries is therefore prohibited. Domestic quantities can be obtained from EU Member States.
Call: Report all wild boars found dead to the veterinary authority
“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,” said Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). In order to detect outbreaks in the wild boar population at an early stage, he appealed to the public: throughout Austria, all wild boars found dead and suspected of being sick are legally obliged to report this to the veterinary authorities to report, the broadcast said.
Source: Krone
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