November 13, 2019

Japan's Agricultural Ministry confirms pork safety after Classical swine fever vaccinations

Japan is set to receive local shipments of pork from swine vaccinated against Classical swine fever (CSF) this week onwards, reported Jiji Press Japan.

Japan Agricultural Minister Taku Eto inspected a wholesale market in Tamamura, Gunma Prefecture in east Japan to examine the area's sanitary conditions and emphasise pork safety.

East Japan is one of the country's highest swine production regions.

The CSF outbreak has led to prefectures vaccinating swine in an effort to stop the disease from spreading.

Shipment of pork from vaccinated swine will begin on November 15, 2019 in Gifu, central Japan. Shipments are expected to come from Gunma two days later.

In September, Japan's Agricultural Ministry announced it will proceed with vaccinations of swine infected with CSF. The disease, which was discovered one year ago for the first time in 26 years, has affected the country as it aimed to increase pork exports overseas.

Japan's Agricultural Ministry said it is safe to consume pork from CSF-vaccinated swine as it poses no health risks.

-   Jiji Press Japan