Antigua and Barbuda authorities say that the restriction on the importation of all pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic remains firmly in effect, as they continue efforts to protect the island’s livestock industry from the African Swine Fever.
The ban has been in place since 2021 following the discovery of the presence of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, said the disease is highly contagious among pigs and can be fatal, posing a significant threat to domestic and commercial pig populations.
The ministry said that despite the passage of several years since the restriction was first implemented, the measure remains ongoing and members of the public must continue to comply with the prohibition.
It said that the restriction is not limited to commercial importers and applies broadly to all persons and businesses involved in the purchase, distribution, sale or consumption of pork and pork products originating from the Dominican Republic.
It said this includes wholesale distributors, shop and supermarket owners, restaurant and cookshop operators and also individual consumers.
The Veterinary and Livestock Division is urging all affected parties to ensure that prohibited pork products are not brought into the country or placed on the local market.
The ministry is also cautioning members of the public against purchasing or accepting prohibited pork products through informal channels, as such activity could undermine the country’s biosecurity measures.
It said that the continued restriction forms part of the country’s broader efforts to prevent the introduction of animal diseases that could threaten local livestock production.
‘African Swine Fever is particularly concerning because of its ability to spread rapidly among pigs. While the disease does not infect humans, outbreaks can result in serious losses for pig farmers and can disrupt the livestock industry and food supply.
‘An outbreak in Antigua and Barbuda could therefore have consequences extending beyond individual farms, potentially affecting local pork production, farmers’ livelihoods and national food security,’ the ministry added.