USDA Warns Travelers Not to Pack Pork to Mainland

Holiday travelers from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are asked to leave pork products behind to limit the spread of African swine fever.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Agriculture

USDA Warns Travelers Not to Pack Pork to Mainland

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The USDA reminded holiday travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico not to pack pork products when traveling to the U.S. mainland. A USDA protection zone covering both territories, established in September 2021, remains in effect.

Why it matters

African swine fever is a contagious and deadly viral disease in swine that cannot be transmitted to people and has no treatment or vaccine. Its spread could cause pork product shortages, trade disruptions and economic impacts, which is why the continental and territorial U.S. remain free of the virus.

The USDA protection zone, set up in September 2021 after detections in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Certain commercially packaged, shelf-stable pork products may be allowed under limited exceptions, while homemade pork dishes are not permitted on the mainland even if cooked or frozen.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA is the federal agency responsible for protecting American agriculture, including monitoring and controlling animal diseases such as African swine fever.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the federal agency that inspects travelers and goods entering the United States and works with USDA on agricultural import restrictions.

The details

Homemade dishes containing pork should not be transported to the mainland, even if cooked or frozen. Travelers who accidentally pack prohibited items are encouraged to declare them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection or USDA inspectors, and should clean and disinfect clothing, footwear and equipment after any potential contact with pigs.

September 2021: USDA established the protection zone covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Holiday travel season: USDA issued its reminder to avoid packing pork when traveling to the mainland.

Market Landscape

The September 2021 USDA protection zone was created after African swine fever reached the Dominican Republic and Haiti, placing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the front line of pork import risk. The holiday reminder keeps that zone's restrictions visible as the U.S. pork industry guards against a disease that could disrupt supply and trade.

Travelers from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands should leave pork products, including homemade dishes, at home when flying to the mainland. Anyone who accidentally packs pork should declare it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection or USDA inspectors, and wait at least five days after returning from abroad before visiting facilities with live pigs.

The takeaway

Pork products that seem harmless in a suitcase can carry serious disease risk, so checking USDA rules before traveling protects both farms and the broader pork supply. Declaring any prohibited items upon arrival is the quickest way to avoid penalties and keep the disease out of the mainland.