(BPT) - Sunny Caribbean locations are often a top destination for spring break and summer trips — especially when it comes to cruises. Of the 19 million Americans who choose to go on cruises, 72% of them opt for trips to the Caribbean.
Before you travel, you should know about the threat African swine fever (ASF) poses to U.S. farms and pork production and how it's easier to transmit than you might think. ASF is harmless to humans, but you could unknowingly bring this deadly pig virus with you when you take excursions — like visiting a local farm or swimming with pigs — or pack a pork dish on your return.
To avoid bringing home an unwanted souvenir from your Caribbean vacation, there's important information you need to know.
What is African swine fever?
Since January 2022, over 70 countries and territories have reported cases of ASF, a highly contagious virus that's killing pigs around the world and has devastating effects on the global pork supply and economies. The disease's mortality rate in pigs is nearly 100% and has no treatments or vaccines, so prevention is the only way to stop ASF from spreading.
As the second-largest pork exporter in the world, the U.S. would be severely impacted if an ASF outbreak was to occur — the disease would kill millions of pigs, causing job losses, creating pork shortages and raising food prices. Estimates predict that it could cost the nation $74 billion over 10 years if this deadly transmittable disease arrives in the U.S.
An ASF outbreak would also have negative social and cultural effects as well, as pork is very important to many cultures. Preventing the spread of ASF will help ensure that pork can continue to be part of family recipes and celebrations for generations to come.
How does ASF spread?
In July and August 2025 alone, over 3,000 kilograms of pork products were seized from passengers and crews originating from Puerto Rico. While the virus cannot infect people, people can unknowingly carry it on clothing or shoes, as well as in pork products.
To help prevent the spread of ASF, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets strict regulations to prevent pork products from being brought into the U.S.
Because ASF can be found in various pork products and even survive both freezing and a range of cooking temperatures, avoid traveling with foods containing pork products or any meats that look like pork.
What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of ASF. Follow these tips from USDA APHIS when you travel to the Caribbean this spring or summer to keep the virus from traveling with you:
Don't pack pork. One of the best things travelers can do is to not pack pork and declare all meats and animal products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Control your exposure. Be aware of potential exposure to pigs during your trip. If you enjoyed cultural excursions like trips to a farm or swimming with pigs, make sure to take these steps:
- Wash your clothes and shoes. Use detergent to thoroughly clean and disinfect clothing and the shoes you wore during any activity involving pigs.
- On your return, tell CBP if you have been on a farm, near livestock, or near wild pigs.
- After your return, wait at least 5 days before visiting any animal facility with pigs including farms, livestock markets, zoos, circuses and more.
Remember, if you're travelling this season: Don't pack pork! Please consider sharing this information with anyone you know who may be traveling to help raise awareness about ASF and stop the spread of this disease.
Find more helpful information about African swine fever at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traveling-with-ag-products/asf.
