Japan AQS confirms NIAH isolation of ASF virus from illegally-brought pork

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 -- Gene of African swine fever (ASF) virus was recently confirmed as a result of the gene test on pork sausages illegally brought into Japan by a passenger from the Philippines.

The test was carried out by Animal Quarantine Service (AQS), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan, according to a statement.

Live virus was also isolated from the products as a result of virus isolation carried out by the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH), the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.

After a quarantine detector dog at Haneda airport found the meat products, AQS disposed of them as prohibited import products, and a part was sent for testing.

AQS has been testing the ASF virus gene on pork products illegally brought by international passengers since August 2018, and this is the 89th case found to be ASF gene positive and is the third case that the infectious ASF virus is isolated.

Animal products including ham, bacon, jerky, sausage and processed meat products are prohibited to be brought into Japan, regardless of volume, in accordance with the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control.

AQS will continue to strengthen import inspection of animal products to prevent the incursion of ASF through international passengers and parcels by utilising quarantine detector dogs at international airports and post offices.

Violators shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to three years or a fine of up to JPY3 million. Business corporations shall be punished with a fine of up to JPY50 million. Passengers with illegal animal products may also be denied permission for landing in Japan. (JPY100 = RM3.968)

-- BERNAMA