The COVID-19 pandemic practically halted air travel for a time. Because international air travel is now resuming, a reminder for continued reporting of traveler experiences while going through customs entering the US is timely. Plus, there have been recent anecdotal reports that some veterinarians are not being diverted to customs agriculture specialists for secondary screening after reporting they have been on farms in other countries.
The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) reminds all international travelers returning to the US, or those arriving from other countries, after visiting a farm or being in contact with animals in a country (or countries) with ASF, or any other foreign animal disease, of the expected protocol. These persons should declare this information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via written form, airport kiosk, or verbally. SHIC, along with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), National Pork Board (NPB), and NPPC, continue to ask international travelers to report if they were not diverted for secondary screening upon arrival in the US.
If you are NOT diverted for secondary screening after declaring you have been on a farm or in contact with animals in an ASF or other foreign animal disease positive nation, please email the following to psundberg@swinehealth.org:
- Your name (optional – please specify if you do NOT want your name shared)
- Country (or countries) visited
- Date and time of return
- Airline and flight number
- Arrival airport
- Declaration method (written form, kiosk, or verbal)
- Customs and Border Patrol employee name, if possible (displayed on right side of shirt)
- Any other pertinent circumstances
Dr. Sundberg aggregates this information so SHIC, AASV, NPB, and NPPC can share it with CBP to help identify areas for continued focus.
SHIC, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America’s pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.