Australia finds ASF and FMD on imported meat

Australia has seized pork products destined for importation. After a thorough inspection, African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were found.

Australia is very careful about importing meat and dairy products in view of the risk of introducing animal diseases. Recent inspections have confirmed this fear, as traces of ASF and FMD were found on pork products.

Controls from December 2020 to February 2021 found ASF traces on 48 of the 198 sample. When tested for FMD, 2 samples showed suspicion of contamination.

Fear of being dragged in
The fear of the introduction of animal diseases is not unfounded. According to the country's agriculture minister, an FMD outbreak would cause damage of up to €32 billion over a 10-year period. With regard to AVP, the damage can amount to between €1 million and €2 million within 5 years.

Stricter controls
The Australian government has decided to step up biosecurity measures. For example, there are stricter controls at the borders, fraud is detected in a more targeted way and even more product tests are carried out.

The measures also include higher fines for travelers who have failed to declare imported high-risk goods. According to the ministry, approximately 2018 tons of pork products were intercepted during flights between November 2020 and December 42,8.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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