The professional association Interporc asks all links in the livestock chain to be alert to the ASF virus. The lack of knowledge about the various ways in which the disease is introduced in other countries forces us to remain in a permanent state of alert. Evidence indicates that the greatest risk of ASF entry comes from natural movements of infected wild boars and, for Spain, the greatest danger comes from the introduction of contaminated pork meat and processed products.
Therefore, we ask all operators in the pork sector to **extreme prevention and biosecurity measures** to minimize the probability of the ASF virus entering our country.
nterporc reminds us of three key concepts to better understand our position in this context:
1. **Diffusion**: We must be informed and prepared for the expansion of ASF, especially in risk areas. Communication on the status of ASF in Europe and the measures to be taken is essential.
2. **Risk**: The increasing number of areas restricted to the marketing of pork meat and products in the EU and especially their expansion represents a tangible risk for our livestock. Imports of meat products from these areas must be handled with the utmost caution.
3. **Traceability**: We remind that, in the case of importing products from initially negative areas that are subsequently declared positive, operators are obliged to carry out a “recall” of all products on the market from 30 days before the outbreak is declared. The lack of exact traceability can have severe legal consequences, including the opening of sanctioning proceedings.
In conclusion, the current situation demands a collective and determined commitment to biosecurity. It is necessary that all those involved in the pig sector act responsibly and maintain a rigorous approach to this critical issue.
Interporc and Anafric appreciate all the collaboration on this important issue. Together, we can work to protect our sector and our resources.
