Antigua and Barbuda reminds public Dominican Republic pork ban remains in effect
Key Points(5)
- Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy is reminding residents and businesses that restrictions on pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic remain in effect, five years after they were introduced over concerns about African Swine Fever.
- The restriction was first imposed in August 2021 following the detection of African Swine Fever, or ASF, in the Dominican Republic.
- ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs that can be fatal.
- While the disease does not pose a threat to human health, authorities warned that its introduction into Antigua and Barbuda could have serious consequences for the livestock sector, local pork producers and national food security.
- The restriction covers pork products originating in the Dominican Republic, including fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and processed products.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy is reminding residents and businesses that restrictions on pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic remain in effect, five years after they were introduced over concerns about African Swine Fever.
The restriction was first imposed in August 2021 following the detection of African Swine Fever, or ASF, in the Dominican Republic.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs that can be fatal. While the disease does not pose a threat to human health, authorities warned that its introduction into Antigua and Barbuda could have serious consequences for the livestock sector, local pork producers and national food security.
The restriction covers pork products originating in the Dominican Republic, including fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and processed products.
It applies to wholesale distributors, shop and supermarket operators, restaurants, cookshops and individual consumers.
The ministry is urging members of the public not to import, purchase, sell, distribute or consume prohibited pork and pork products originating from the Dominican Republic.
The Veterinary and Livestock Division is not issuing import licences for the restricted products and has appealed for the public’s cooperation in preventing the introduction and spread of ASF in Antigua and Barbuda.
Authorities have also warned travellers and importers against attempting to bring prohibited pork products into the country, saying doing so could put local farms, livelihoods and the domestic swine industry at risk.
“Protect our pigs. Protect our food. Protect our future,” the ministry said.
The renewed advisory comes as officials continue efforts to protect Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock industry from the disease.
Members of the public seeking additional information can contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy at 268-562-7469 or communications.agri@ab.gov.ag.
