Live pigs imported into Japan from the United States and Canada are now subject to new certification requirements to stop the spread of livestock disease. Japan told a World Trade Organization committee that the new rules are to combat the spread of PED virus. Iowa Pork Producers President Jamie Schmidt says he thinks Japan’s concerns are valid but trade officials need to make sure it doesn’t become a long term trade barrier.
Schmidt doesn’t think Japan is trying to manipulate the market or just coming up with a stiff stance like they’ve done with the TPP where they want special treatment. He says most producers like himself need to follow good trade practices or those markets will be lost in the future.
Under the new Japanese requirements, exporters will need to certify their swine come from facilities in which there has been no clinical evidence of PEDV for at least twelve months. The exported pigs also must test negative for PEDV during their period of pre export isolation and inspection.
