1 May 2026: Outbreak of Aujeszky’s disease in the United States of America
Updated 1 May 2026
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OVS note number: 2026/25
Date: 1 May 2026
Purpose
To inform you that due to a recent outbreak of Aujeszky’s disease in the United States of America (USA) in a commercial pig farm, imports of porcine offal are suspended.
Background
The USA notified WOAH of its first case of Aujeszky’s disease which was confirmed on 30 April 2026 on a farm in Hardin County, Iowa: WAHIS. The USA has been considered free of Aujeszky’s disease in commercial swine operations since 2004.
As a result of this outbreak the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance amended the fresh meat of ungulates list on 1 May 2026 to suspend imports of porcine offal from the USA. This has been achieved through the insertion of Specific Condition 1 (SC 1) to the USA’s POR entry in the fresh meat of ungulates list. SC 1 is defined as: ‘Category restrictions: No offal is authorised for introduction into Great Britain (except, in the case of bovine species, diaphragm and masseter muscles).’ The reference to bovine species is not relevant in this case.
Imports of live porcine animals and porcine semen must continue to comply with the import conditions for Aujeszky’s disease in the GB model health certificates. Imports from the USA of porcine meat derived from porcine meat and meat products that do not include offal are not impacted by this measure and continue to be permitted.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team