The import of around 2.4 tonnes of meat products was prevented during key inspections in January
Vienna (OTS) – Action sharply in the fight against the introduction of animal diseases, especially African swine fever (ASF). On a total of 21 control days in January, a joint focus operation by the Austrian customs office with the Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK), the Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG) and the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) took place. The officials achieved a massive success: the employees of the organizations involved seized around 2.4 tons of illegally brought and potentially dangerous food. In addition to Austria, the destination countries for the intercepted products were Germany, France, Italy and Belgium. In all cases the illegal goods were destroyed.
“I would like to thank our customs officers and all partner organizations for their excellent cooperation in preventing the introduction of animal diseases. African swine fever in particular is a major and serious threat to our agriculture. Once it arrives in Austria, it would have serious consequences for the animals and farmers. With the successful controls by the Austrian customs office, we are making an important contribution to preventing the introduction of swine fever,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.
2,389 kilograms of meat from the Western Balkans and Moldova seized
“Taking pork products from non-EU countries is prohibited,” emphasized Health Minister Johannes Rauch. Even though African swine fever has not yet occurred in Austria, “the risk of its introduction due to the numerous cases in the south and east of Europe remains very high. The earlier an outbreak is detected, the sooner it can be contained,” he said Smoke. Household quantities are permitted within the EU, provided that the manufacturer of the meat products is subject to proper veterinary supervision in the country of origin. Meat and sausages from private producers that have not been subject to official controls pose a particular risk.
During the inspections, 103 violations were identified. In 33 cases, the products came from Western Balkan countries, mainly from Serbia or Kosovo, with a total of 1,051 kilograms of meat, of which 631 kilograms were pork. In 70 cases, the meat products came from Moldova and amounted to a total of 1,338 kilograms, of which around 952 kilograms were pork. Already in December, as part of regular controls, 1,271 kilograms of meat and meat products were found in eight cases.
During an inspection in Nickelsdorf at the beginning of January, seized animal products were examined by the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) before they were properly destroyed. The AGES animal disease experts were able to take 50 samples, which fortunately gave negative results for ASF in laboratory testing. “We must continue to be vigilant,” the Health Minister appeals to the population. “Please do your part to maintain the health of domestic animal populations and do not bring any food made from pork or wild boar meat with you and, if possible, avoid any contact with domestic and wild boar in affected countries.”
Swine fever endangers farm animals and wild boars alike. ASF poses a significant threat to domestic agriculture and wild boar populations. For infected domestic and wild boars, the infection is usually fatal, and this would represent enormous economic damage for animal owners in Austria. People can easily spread ASF over long distances through virus-contaminated food, but the virus does not pose a health risk to themselves. ASF is currently very active, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo.
The coordinated information and control campaign by customs, the Ministry of Health, the BAVG and AGES is one of many measures to counteract the introduction of African swine fever into Austria. Travelers become more aware of the problem and illegally imported goods can be removed from circulation. Aside from the focus inspections, inspections take place all year round. Further technical information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Health and AGES. Information materials on African swine fever for travelers can be downloaded in 16 languages at: https://bit.ly/3NuaV3C
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBcmjS
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