28 November
The Japanese government plans to give more powers to quarantine officers at airports, as part of its efforts to prevent African swine fever from entering the country.
Outbreaks of the fatal and highly contagious disease have been reported in China, South Korea and other parts of Asia, but no cases have been confirmed in Japan so far.
The agriculture ministry is working on legal amendments to block the entry of the African swine fever virus.
It plans to allow quarantine officers at airports to ask travelers if they have any meat products. They would also be able to inspect luggage without the owner's consent.
The plan includes heavier penalties for those who bring in unauthorized meat products. Currently, violators face up to three years in prison, or a fine of up to 9,200 dollars.
Officials would also be allowed to slaughter uninfected pigs that that are near a sick pig.
The ministry plans to submit the proposed legal revisions to next year's ordinary session of the Diet.
NHK
