November 22, 2019

Japan seeks China's cooperation to combat potential African swine fever spread

A memorandum was signed by Japan's Agricultural Ministry and China's government office in charge of quarantine to prevent illegal pork imports, reported NHK Japan.

While African swine fever (ASF) has spread throughout China and most of Asia, Japan has reported no cases of the diseases so far.

Taku Eto, Japan Agricultural Minister said both countries will devise methods to prevent the illegal import of pork into Japan and collaborate in technical areas related to preventing the spread of ASF in the country.

Specifically, tourists from China will be informed under no circumstances that they are allowed to transport pork products to Japan.

Japan's Agricultural Ministry said the ASF genome has been identified in pork products from China, brought in through Japan ports and airports since October 2018.

-      NHK Japan