WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) added Laos to the list of regions affected by African swine fever (ASF), as well as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Hong Kong.
On June 20, 2019, the Laos veterinary authorities reported an ASF occurrence to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE). In response to that report, APHIS added Laos to the list of regions affected with ASF on July 5, 2019. Pork and pork products, including casings, are now subject to import restrictions.
On May 30, 2019, the veterinary authorities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea reported an ASF occurrence to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE). In response to that report, APHIS added the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the list of regions affected with ASF on June 5, 2019. Pork and pork products, including casings, are now subject to import restrictions.
On May 12, 2019, the Hong Kong veterinary authorities reported an ASF occurrence to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE). In response to that report, APHIS added Hong Kong to the list of regions affected with ASF on July 15, 2019. Pork and pork products, including casings, are now subject to import restrictions.
ASF is a highly contagious disease of wild and domestic pigs that can spread quickly in swine populations. A list of regions where ASF exists can be found on the APHIS website here.
–USDA APHIS
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