News African swine fever
US Customs intercepts Chinese pork
New Jersey Customs have seized approximately 1 million pounds of pork. The meat was illegally imported from China.
The cargo of more than 50 shipping containers was intercepted in the Port of New Jersey. Due to the alert action of customs officials, it was possible to prevent the pork products from China from being spread through the United States.
African swine fever
The cargo was identified as hazardous because it could pose a threat to the U.S. pig population. This has to do with the outbreaks of African swine fever in China† This animal disease can survive in processed meat and thus bridge great distances. More than 1 million pigs have been culled in China since August. The animal disease has not yet been found in the United States and the authorities would like to keep it that way.
In the event of an outbreak of African swine fever, the affected countries lose access to almost all major markets; given that the United States exports almost 25% of its own pork production, that would be a major disaster for the pig sector.
Billions in damage
Troy Miller, the director of U.S. Customs, said in a news conference that an outbreak would cost the United States $10 billion in annual damage. Miller also said the interception of 1 million pounds of pork is the largest agricultural seizure in history.
Wouter Job
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