The 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer’s premiere prize, being played in venues across the U.S. and other North American host countries through July 19.
“Excited to welcome just the millions of travelers and visitors from the teams to the attendees who are coming to these games into the U.S.”
The welcome from Kathleen O’Hara of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also comes with a reminder to travelers coming into the U.S. for the World Cup: “Don’t pack pork.”
The reason? The threat of Africans wide fever. Currently not in our nation, and the potentially fatal impacts of ASF to our nation swine herds.
“So, it’s very important that we keep it out of the United States, and introduction would be devastating to our swine production, our farmers and just the industry at large, as well as how it’s in our pocketbooks at home.”
As this virus can survive on both uncooked and cooked pork products, travelers are prohibited from shipping or carrying these products into the U.S.
“So, things like ham, sausage, pepperoni, pernil, pasteles, lechon or other snacks or gifts that you may be wanting to bring from home, this is a good event to just leave the park at home.”
Also, if visitors to the U.S. have had any interactions with pigs in their home country, at a farm, zoo or such …
“When coming to the United States, make sure that if you’re bringing any of the clothes or shoes that you wear around those animals, make sure that all of those are cleaned and disinfected.”
Disinfecting luggage is also recommended, as it can also be a carrier of the African swine fever virus. O’Hara also advises travelers entering U.S. airports and ports.
“Declare any contact with livestock when you come across the borders with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and make sure that you wait at least five days before visiting any U.S. pig farms, fairs, zoos or other places that we may have pigs in the United States.”
In addition, travelers must declare all food, animal and ag products at U.S. airports and ports. More information about ASF prevention is available online at www.afis.usda.gov/stopASF.
“Everyone has a role to play. Every action that we take helps protect your neighbor and all of our pigs and our farm producers.”