In summer, when the travel wave reaches its peak, controls on the import of animal products are increased, especially pork and sausages. These measures aim to prevent the introduction of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), which pose a significant threat to agriculture and animal health in Austria. Despite the fact that humans themselves do not contract ASF, the disease has devastating effects on pigs, which include both economic and health dimensions. Customs and veterinary authorities increase controls The veterinary and customs authorities have initiated a comprehensive control campaign for the summer months to prevent the spread of African swine fever. The current controls are being carried out in cooperation with the Austrian Customs Office, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK), the Federal Office of Consumer Health (BAVG) and the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). The focus is on identifying and preventing animal products from non-EU countries, as these pose an increased risk of introducing ASF. African swine fever, which was recently detected in Germany in both wild and domestic pigs, poses a serious threat to livestock. For domestic pigs and wild boars, the infection is often fatal. The disease is spread by contaminated food that is imported from affected areas. Travellers are therefore strongly advised not to bring animal products such as pork or sausages back from their holidays. Significant dangers for agriculture Finance Minister Magnus Brunner emphasises the importance of the controls: “Animal diseases such as African swine fever are a serious threat to our agriculture and also to the