September 2021
Last month, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) offered a reminder for continued reporting of traveler experiences while going through customs entering the US. That morning, a report of international travelers not being diverted to Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists for secondary screening after they indicated on their Customs form that they had had animal contact at their African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) endemic destination was shared. After getting this report, a Customs and Border Protection contact immediately responded saying, “…flights from that area of the world should be a tactical focus and there will be follow up with the agents at that airport.”
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 African swine fever (ASF), or any other foreign animal disease, should declare this information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via written form, airport kiosk, or verbally.
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, or know of someone with this status, please email the following to
- 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, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, National Pork Board, and National Pork Producers Council can share it with CBP to help identify areas for continued focus.
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