Brussels, 20/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission gave a welcome on Tuesday 20 October to the recent move by the US to recognise the EU regionalisation system put in place to contain the spread of African swine fever (ASF), a disease affecting pigs and wild boar.
This recognition will help to avoid trade disruption in the event of an outbreak of a disease. Trade in pork products between the EU and the US was valued at approximately €335 million, in 2014 alone.
European Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said this significant move “comes at a time when pig farmers across the EU face particular difficulties”. “It is of crucial importance that unjustified restrictions on imports of European pork are lifted”, he added.
The US will henceforth accept EU decisions with regard to regions affected by ASF rather than conducting its own assessment. The US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recognises the EU as a single entity with a single animal health legislation, veterinary oversight and disease control programmes.
Prior to publication of this notice, the US restricted or prohibited imports of pork and pork products from regions where ASF existed. Such regions were listed on the APHIS website individually. The new rule means that from now on the list will simply refer to any restricted zone in the EU, as established by the EU. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)