Stricter hygiene measures due to African swine fever

African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in Germany, prompting Dutch authorities to demand stricter hygiene measures. Both wild boars and domestic pigs in the German states of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate have been infected. The COV is urgently asking livestock transporters to follow stricter hygiene protocols to prevent further spread.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to hygiene protocols. They have established a detailed step-by-step plan for cleaning and disinfecting transport vehicles. This is crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of the ASF virus.

Enhanced controls and second R&O obligation

The NVWA has tightened controls on hygiene regulations due to the threat of ASF. Transport vehicles returning from certain high-risk countries must be cleaned and disinfected immediately at a recognized R&O site. This applies to transports from countries including Germany, Italy, and Romania.

Call to livestock transporters

The COV urges livestock transporters to enhance transport hygiene and strictly follow the NVWA’s R&O step-by-step plan. Extra vigilance is required at locations such as primary farms and slaughterhouses. Only by adhering to these measures can we ensure biosecurity in the Netherlands.

Informing employees

The COV also asks companies to inform their employees about the risks of ASF. Employees returning from Eastern Europe should be made aware of the dangers of bringing back meat products. Informational flyers can be placed in canteens and on notice boards to raise awareness.

Cov.nl