In June of this year, traces of African swine fever virus (ASF) were found in meat smuggled into Northern Ireland by passengers.

In general, authorities in the Irish airport seized over 300 kg of illegal meat products in June. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland (DAERA) reported that the meat sample was tested by experts in the laboratory at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

As a result of the study, the African swine fever virus was discovered. A DAERA spokesman confirmed: "DNA fragments of African swine fever were found in sausages from Asia."

DAERA said that while this type of discovery does not in itself pose a significant threat to the health status of animals in Northern Ireland and does not affect the disease-free status from ASF, it reinforces the importance of controlling personal imports of meat and dairy products.

DAERA warnings are visible at the entry points to Northern Ireland. They emphasize that meat and dairy products should not be brought into Northern Ireland in the baggage of a passenger, as such items can be seized by portal inspection personnel at local ports and airports.