Co-operation between the veterinary and customs authorities is an important contribution to the protection of animal health and therefore the economy in Austria. In particular, unauthorised transport of animal products was checked during holiday travel. Pork and sausage products from third countries in particular were searched in order to prevent the introduction of African swine fever (ASF). Currently, 13 countries in Europe are affected by ASF outbreaks. The indirect import of meat and meat products by people from the affected countries in southern and eastern Europe poses a major risk for Austria.
Import ban on meat products from non-EU countries
The controls also raise awareness among travellers that bringing meat and meat products from non-EU countries poses a risk and is therefore not permitted. Meat and sausages from private production that have not been inspected by the veterinary authorities pose a particular risk. In the course of the inspections, 220 offences were detected. During the seizures, 8,151 kilograms of illegally imported meat products were stopped, mostly from Serbia, Albania, Kosovo and Moldova, of which 3,090 kilograms were potentially dangerous pork. All laboratory tests carried out on a total of 69 samples (sausage, ham, bacon, raw meat) for ASF did not test positive for the virus.
Appeal before travelling during the autumn holidays
Refrain from travelling with food made from pork and wild boar meat from the affected countries. Eat local specialities locally and avoid any contact with domestic and wild boar if possible. Humans can spread ASF over long distances through food contaminated with the virus, for example if infected meat, sausage or food waste is carelessly disposed of and eaten by wild boar. The virus does not pose a health risk to humans, but African swine fever is usually fatal for infected domestic pigs and wild boars.
>> Further technical information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Health KVG and AGES.
>> Current information on the animal disease situation