November 28, 2012

New Zealand's pork industry wants fresh pork imports from PRRS-affected countries

New Zealand's pork industry is pushing for the allowance of fresh pork imports from countries where Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is reported.

Currently all exports from countries that have the disease must be cooked prior to entry into New Zealand. However, the High Court recently ruled in favour of a decision by the Ministry for Primary Industries to allow uncooked pork exports from countries with PRRS.

The Ministry has pointed out that imports of fresh and chilled pork are unlikely to lead to an outbreak of PPRS in a country which was previously free of the disease. However, pig farmers insist it would put their animals at risk and increase competition in an already difficult market.

Members of the industry have now taken their case to the Court of Appeals.