Alerts

Due to a number of recent outbreaks of exotic pig diseases in Europe and Asia, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has determined that the current import conditions for baked pig ears no longer meet Australia’s appropriate level of protection.

In addition to requiring an import permit and undergoing significant thermal processing, baked pig ears sourced from countries affected by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), African Swine Fever (ASF) and/or Swine Vesicular Disease (SVD) will now require gamma irradiation to 50 kGray upon arrival in Australia.

FMD, CSF, ASF and SVD are not present in Australia. An incursion of any of these diseases in Australia would have significant impacts on pig health and production. In addition, our access to economically important international markets would be compromised.

For additional information, please refer to the industry advice notice and keeping African swine fever out of Australia.

Further information:

Please contact the Animal and Biological Imports Branch on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.