News

US Customs and Border Protection working to guard from African Swine Fever

A US Customs and Border Protection officer says African Swine Fever is the “most nefarious” foreign animal disease they are working to keep out of the US.

Kevin Harriger says the disease is a threat from two directions. He says there is a front from Russia and the old eastern part of Europe as well as the dozens of countries with outbreaks on the pacific side.

“So, all of the things and people coming from there to the United States legitimately could be carrying with them that foreign animal disease.”

He says there are more than 350,000 international passengers arriving at US airports every day, so they must keep their search process efficient.

“If you are on a farm, you are to be processed in a secondary environment. Do you have anything to declare? Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs? What country are you coming from? China? Malaysia? Then we know by regulation that products coming from that specific country can either come in the US or can’t.”

He says with the vulnerability of the entire US swine population at stake, they are working diligently to prevent any potentially contaminated products, packaging or clothing from entering the country.