As ASF has been detected in Spain, passengers travelling to Great Britain are reminded about restrictions on personal imports and how human actions can impact disease spread
Millions of people will travel this holiday season, and EPIC scientists and the Scottish Government are sharing urgent reminders to not bring restricted cured meats and animal products from abroad into Great Britain to prevent the spread of dangerous animal diseases. African swine fever (ASF), a fatal animal disease, was recently detected in Spain and can be carried on packaged meats for several months, highlighting the importance of leaving behind these restricted personal imports.
Causing up to a 100 percent mortality in domestic pig herds, once introduced, ASF can spread from pig-to-pig and would be extremely harmful to Great Britain’s livestock and pig industry. As 87 percent of supermarket fresh pork in Great Britain is domestically produced, an ASF outbreak in Great Britain could severely impact farmers, the pig supply chain, and availability to consumers during their daily shops.
ASF can be transmitted internationally by unsuspecting travellers carrying personal imports of contaminated pig meat. In 2022, DEFRA reported that it was a regular occurrence for travellers to arrive with small amounts of animal products that contain the virus, which can pose significant risk even after responsible disposal.
As a direct reminder to those travelling during the holidays, a Don’t Risk It animation, has been placed in airports and ports across Scotland. The animation is part of a Scottish Government campaign aimed at stopping travellers from bringing cured meats and other animal and plant products to Great Britain.
While ASF is not currently in Great Britain, given the recent ASF outbreak in Spain and high-volume of travel during the holidays, it is important for travellers to follow government restrictions on personal imports of plant and animal products to prevent risk of disease introduction. It remains essential for everyone to do their part to protect Great Britain’s livestock, famers and food security from the risks of disease spread.