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Travelers: Help Stop the Spread of African Swine Fever

Last Modified: Nov 25, 2022
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African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious and deadly virus that’s infecting pigs in many countries. It’s harmless to humans, but it can be present in foods made from pork. People can spread the disease by bringing pork or pork products with them when they travel from a country where ASF exists.




ASF hasn’t reached the U.S. yet—and we want to keep it that way. If it does, an outbreak could be devastating to our farmers, food supply and economy. ASF won’t make meat unsafe to eat, but it will kill millions of pigs that we rely on for food. Not only will this create pork shortages and drive up food prices—it’s also predicted to cost our country billions and cause thousands of workers to lose their jobs.

You could carry ASF into the U.S. without knowing. Take these steps to stop the spread:

  • Don’t bring foods containing pork with you when you travel. 

  • When you enter the U.S., declare all meats, animals and animal products to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

  • Tell CBP if you have been on a farm, near livestock or near wild pigs.

  • After you return, wait at least 5 days before you visit any animal facility with pigs. This includes farms, livestock markets, zoos, circuses, and pet stores with pot-bellied pigs.


Learn More About ASF

USDA African Swine Fever Information

Travelers from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

ASF was recently detected in the Caribbean. For this reason, certain pork products are prohibited from entering the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All prohibited products will be confiscated.

Allowed:

  • Canned Pork
  • Commercially packaged, labeled, shelf-stable (without refrigeration) baked goods that contain pork (including those cooked in lard)


Not Allowed:

  • Fresh pork
  • Homemade products containing pork
  • All other pork products

To help stop the spread of ASF, tell the USDA inspector or U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer on duty if you’re carrying any food items or have recently visited a farm.

USDA prohibits or restricts the entry of many other agricultural products from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands into the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn More here.
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