Myth Busters: Travel Rules & Regulations to Prevent African Swine Fever
Myth #1: I can bring pork products with me when traveling to or between the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
It depends! Generally, travelers can bring unopened, commercially processed and sealed pork products purchased from the store which have undergone treatment to kill bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of disease.
Travelers cannot bring fresh or frozen pork or pork products, if they haven’t been processed according to USDA requirements.
Myth #2: I’m allowed to bring home cooked pork with me when I travel.
We know there’s nothing like a home cooked meal — but if it contains pork, you can’t bring it into the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. At the airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USDA agents screen baggage and may seize and dispose of food containing pork — or any meat that looks like pork to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
These restrictions exist because ASF is a hardy virus that can survive in frozen or cooked foods like pernil, pasteles or pork dumplings and processed pork products like ham and prosciutto.
Myth #3: There’s no harm in visiting livestock or interacting with wild pigs when traveling.
Incorrect! While the virus cannot infect people, people can unknowingly carry it on their shoes, clothing, or vehicles after any contact with infected pigs.
If you interact with pigs or feral swine abroad, wait at least five days after you return before visiting any facility with pigs, like zoos and state or county fairs. Also, make sure to disinfect your clothing and shoes.
Myth #4: I will get in trouble if I tell inspection agents about the meat and animal products in my bag.
False! You will only get in trouble if you’re intentionally hiding something or trying to smuggle products into the country. Tell inspection agents about all food, animal products and agricultural products in your bag.
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the travel rules and regulations that keep our pigs safe from ASF! Please consider sharing this information with anyone you know who may be traveling.
To learn more about the rules and regulations in place around ASF, visit: www.aphis.usda.gov/traveling-with-ag-products/asf
