Following notification from Spain on 28 November 2025 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an outbreak of ASF, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is working to assess and manage the biosecurity risk to Australia.

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, causing severe illness and high mortality. It is not transmissible to humans but has major economic impacts by disrupting pork production and trade. Strong biosecurity and movement controls are essential to prevent its spread across borders.

A review of the implications for permits and import conditions for the following impacted commodities is being progressed:

• Pet food and stock feed containing or derived from porcine materials sourced, manufactured or exported from Spain

• Laboratory goods containing porcine fluids and tissues (including but not limited to animal fluids and tissues, culture media and other lab materials) sourced from Spain

• Veterinary and human therapeutics containing ingredients sourced from Spanish pigs.

Note – cured pig meat (Iberian and Serano ham) from Spain are not impacted unless the meat has been sourced from premises that are not free from ASF.

To help mitigate the risk to Australia, Spain has been removed from the list of countries approved for the import of Suid (porcine) fluids and tissues effective 27 October 2025.

To help manage the biosecurity risk to Australia, the department has made an immediate change to remove Spain from list of countries approved for Suid (porcine) fluids and tissues effective 27 October 2025. The department will also be in contact with permit holders and permit applicants if there are any changes required to your import permit.

Any goods in transit will be held and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, product manufactured prior to the 27 October 2025 may be released from biosecurity control if suitable evidence can be supplied to biosecurity officers.

Product manufactured after 27 October 2025 may not be permitted entry into Australia and may be directed for re-export or destruction. Importers and brokers that are unsure of the status of their goods should contact imports@aff.gov.au for advice before arranging for the export of any product to Australia.

The DDWL Team

Story courtesy of IFCBAA & DAFF

Image courtesy of DAFF