More pork suspensions lifted amid A.S.F. fears

By Sapeer Mayron 17 July 2020, 2:00PM

One more pork product is back on shelves amid control measures to prevent the arrival of African Swine Fever into Samoa.

Uncle Sam products are no longer banned in Samoa, joining Deli, Tasi and Kings Choice which had suspensions lifted earlier this month. 

All other canned pork products from countries with cases of A.S.F. are still banned and require the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries approval to be imported. 

Importers can still apply via the Quarantine Division for approval.

M.A.F. is investigating buying a testing machine capable of testing for A.S.F., but for now is relying on border control and sending samples overseas to be studied.

African Swine Fever has hit more than 20 countries, including Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, China and South Korea. 

China has already lost 40 million pigs to the disease last year and serious flooding in the region has been blamed for a spike in cases this month. 

It is a highly contagious viral disease which has no cure.

New research emerging from the Kansas State University has found feed additives could be used to control the virus’ spread. 

Assistant Professor Megan Niederweder has found antiviral chemical additives can be added to plant based feed to “inactivate” the virus.

It is the first evidence that feed additives could be used against A.S.F., though historically they have been used to reduce bacterial contamination in feed. 

By Sapeer Mayron 17 July 2020, 2:00PM

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