USDA steps up controls on imports of Armenian pork

USDA steps up controls on imports of Armenian pork The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued an interim rule, retroactive to Aug. 29, 2007, to amend its animal import regulations by adding Armenia to its list of regions where African swine fever exists.
   The agency said it’s responding to several confirmed cases of the disease in the country. African swine fever is one of the most destructive diseases to pigs worldwide.
   To prevent the spread of the disease through importation, the USDA agency requires processing plants to fully cook pork products in a commercial method that includes hermetically sealed containers. In addition, a certificate accompanying the product and strict quarantine and inspection practices are required at U.S. ports of entry.