New measures to restrict pork imports from the EU have been introduced in the Isle of Man in a bid to minimise the risk posed by African swine fever (ASF).
The Isle of Man’s new regulations align it to similar measures recently introduced at UK-level, which require EU pork imports to meet strict production, packaging, and labelling standards.
They must also arrive by a border control post with export health certification, unless they are transhipped or intended for personal use, and weigh less than 2kg, in which case the products still need to be manufactured and packaged to EU commercial standards.
Dr Amy Beckett, Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “This precautionary action is being taken to prevent the introduction of the virus to the Island, and to protect hundreds of Manx pigs.”
According to the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency, the most likely way ASF could enter Great Britain is through a member of the public bringing pork or pork products from an affected country in their luggage or vehicle.
Dr Beckett added: “The restrictions target both backyard production and illegal commercial imports that attempt to bypass health certifications and border checks by claiming larger quantities of pork products are for personal use.”
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “As a Government, it is our responsibility to safeguard the health and welfare of our livestock, which is a vital part of the Island’s agriculture and our economy.
“We strongly advise all travellers to avoid bringing, buying, ordering on the internet, or requesting any pork products – for example, fresh or frozen meat, dried or cured meats, sausages, salamis, or pâté – to the Isle of Man from affected parts of Europe.”