SOLOMON Islands maintains its ban on the importation of pork products from Australia due to ongoing concerns over the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
The ban was imposed in March 2020 following the global outbreak of ASF.
An Officer from the Biosecurity Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Julianne Mosa told Solomon Star at the recent World Food Day celebrations in Honiara that the department continues to prioritize the protection of local pig populations and the agricultural economy amidst the persistent threat of this contagious viral disease and hence the upkeep of the ban.
African Swine Fever, which has devastated pig farming operations in several countries, first emerged in Africa and has since wreaked havoc across Asia and Europe.
Ms Mosa said although most states in Australia are not affected by ASF, Solomon Islands swift action to ban pork imports from Australia was a preemptive measure to safeguard its agriculture sector.
Mosa said, “Our office is closely monitoring the global situation concerning ASF. We understand the economic implications of this ban, but our primary responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of our local livestock and the agricultural framework of the nation.”
“The ban to remain in place until there is a significant reassessment of the risk factors associated with ASF in neighboring countries,” she added.
The decision to maintain the ban has been met with mixed reactions. Local pig farmers are grateful for the protective measures, believing that the continued ban helps to shield them from potential outbreaks that could disrupt their livelihoods.
However, some consumers expressed frustration over limited choices of pork and rising prices in local markets as pork remains a popular source of protein.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
