July 12, 2023

China bans import of swine from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to prevent ASF risk

China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have jointly issued documents announcing a ban on the import of swine and related products from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Croatia to mitigate the risks of African swine fever (ASF), Global Times reported.

The GAC said BiH reported a case of ASF to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on June 22. The case was discovered on June 21 in a farm located in the northern part of the country.

Likewise, Croatia reported two cases of ASF to WOAH on June 27. These cases were identified in farms within the Vukovarsko-Srijemska County on June 23.

In order to safeguard the domestic animal husbandry industry and prevent the spread of African swine fever, the GAC has implemented a ban on the import of swine, wild boars, and related products from these two countries to China. The ban will take effect from July 6.

In accordance with the applicable quarantine regulations and laws, any imported swine and related products from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia that are discovered will either be returned or disposed of under the strict supervision of customs officers.

-      Global Times