Swine fever prompts meat import block

Monday, 24 January 2022 06:30

African swine fever is moving closer to the Swiss border prompting the Federal Veterinary Office to put a stop to imports of all pigs and pork products.

The closest confirmed case is just 135 km from the Ticino border.

Travellers are urged not to bring any meat products from Italy into the country and authorities have banned the feeding of food waste to domestic pigs.

The move is a major blow to Italian meat producers as sausages, Parma ham and other pork products are a major export.

African swine fever is harmless to humans - even if infected meat is eaten – but its deadly to pigs and boars.

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