Aug. 12, 2021
Operators flying out of the Dominican Republic and Haiti are prohibited from transporting unprocessed pork products and pork byproducts into the U.S. because of wild-type African Swine Fever (ASF) collected from hogs in the region, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In an Information Circular effective through Aug. 31, 2022, TSA is urging operators to advise passengers and crew from the two countries about this prohibition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed positive samples of ASF collected from hogs in the Dominican Republic on July 28.
TSA noted that unprocessed pork products and pork byproducts from the Dominican Republic and Haiti are not allowed in passenger baggage, and people traveling from those countries should dispose of any prohibited products prior to boarding. Anyone violating this ban may be subject to fines. The circular reminded travelers to declare all food, plants, and animal products upon arrival in the United States.
The TSA added ASF is not a threat to human health and is not a food safety issue. However, people can carry ASF on their clothing, shoes and hands, and transmit it to animals.
NBAA members with questions can email ops@nbaa.org.
Read the TSA Information Circular 21-2: African Swine Fever (PDF)
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.