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Quarantine legs it with passenger's pork
15 February 2006
During the Chinese New Year festival, Chinese tourists often bring gifts and delectable goodies for family and friends in Australia, but few could beat the latest treat – a whole cooked pig’s leg, complete from hip to trotter.
On arrival in Australia yesterday, the passenger correctly informed the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) he was carrying food and presented the beautifully packaged and vacuum packed delicacy for inspection.
Unfortunately, because China has both foot and mouth disease and classical swine fever – both of which are highly contagious and can be spread in pigmeat - the four-kilogram trottered treat is not allowed into Australia.
While classical swine fever is a viral disease of pigs, foot and mouth disease can affect all cloven-footed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Both diseases could cause serious production losses and affect international trade if they were to enter Australia.
Despite the fact that it was one of his father’s favourite foods, purchased especially to help him celebrate the New Year in gourmet style, the passenger understood AQIS’ concerns and surrendered the porcine present for destruction under quarantine supervision. Vision: 4 kilogram pig leg, quarantine airport operations
Vision: 4 kilogram pig leg, quarantine airport operations
Interviews: David Cook, Quarantine Inspector who intercepted the pig leg, Ian Ladner, AQIS Day Manager, Perth International Airport
Where: Perth International Airport, Horrie Miller Drive
When: 9.30am Thursday 16 February 2006
Contact: Jen O’Reilly 0412 341 143
Note: Security clearance and access will be required – please phone Jen to arrange