October 11, 2024

 

ASF-related restrictions on pork imports from Europe come into effect in UK's Isle of Man

 
 

 

Restrictions on importing pork from Europe to the Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom, came into effect in a bid to minimise the risk posed by African swine fever (ASF).

 

While no outbreaks have been reported in the British Isles, the move comes as the contagious disease has spread across Europe, killing thousands of pigs and wild boars. Under the measures, which apply from October 5 and mirror restrictions implemented by the UK, pork imports from the European Union are required to meet strict production, packaging, and labelling standards.

 

Chief veterinary officer Amy Beckett said the move was to "prevent the introduction of the virus to the island, and to protect hundreds of Manx pigs".

 

Under the changes, pork imports would also need to arrive by a border control post with export health certification, unless transhipped or intended for personal use.

 

Travellers would only be able to bring in products that weigh less than 4.4lb (2kg), unless they could show it met EU commercial standards.

 

The measures "target both backyard production and illegal commercial imports" that attempt to bypass checks by "claiming larger quantities of pork products are for personal use", Dr. Beckett said.

 

Defa Minister Clare Barber said the department advised "all travellers to avoid bringing, buying, ordering on the internet, or requesting any pork products" to the Isle of Man from affected parts of Europe. These included fresh or frozen meat, dried or cured meats, sausages, salamis, or pate, she added.

 

- BBC

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