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Japan adds detector dogs in efforts to prevent ASF

Japan is stepping up its detection systems as African Swine Fever continues to spread throughout Asia.  Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service has introduced a significant number of detector dogs to major and local airports to protect the country’s livestock from the disease. 

Earlier this year strains of the virus were isolated in meat products intercepted from passengers coming into the country.  Japan has been strengthening its inspection system of passenger’s baggage by focusing on travelers from ASF affected countries.

Those entering the country illegally carrying meat products may be punished with up to three years in prison or a fine of less than 1-million-yen (or just over $9,000 American dollars).

This year the USDA added 60 more beagles to its Beagle Brigade to expand arrival screens and check cargo for illegal pork products that can carry the virus.  There are a total of 179 teams that work with the US Customs and Border Protection.

African Swine Fever does not impact people and poses no food safety risks, but it is highly contagious and is a deadly virus that affects hogs.