Combating illegal imports of bushmeat: Information and identification guide for border control agencies
According to extrapolations by the animal welfare organization Tengwood, several tonnes of bushmeat are illegally imported into Switzerland every year. The consumption of this meat can pose a serious health risk to humans and animals and threaten animal species protected by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). A new information brochure issued by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) and Tengwood organization will help border control agencies to identify imports of illegal bushmeat in future.
The Swiss Customs Administration (SCA), the FSVO and the animal welfare organisation Tengwood join forces in the fight against illegal imports of bushmeat. The new publication on identifying bushmeat is also the result of the close partnership between the FSVO and Tengwood. The new brochure provides comprehensive information on this so far little documented trade as well as sensitise members of border control agencies to the subject. It is part of efforts being made in order to control epidemics and combat the illegal trade in protected animals. Because bushmeat from third countries usually arrives in Europe by air, the border control agencies at airports are important entry points for intercepting illegal imports. The guide is therefore aimed primarily at customs control personnel. It supports the customs officers, border guards and CITES inspectors by providing photographs and detailed explanations on how to identify bushmeat.
