Antigua and Barbuda Maintains Ban on Pork Imports from Dominican Republic

Published
Pork products from Dominican Republic are banned in Antigua and Barbuda

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy is reminding the public that the restriction on the importation of pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic remains in effect.

The measure was introduced in 2021 following the detection of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic.

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting pigs.

Although it does not pose a threat to human health, an outbreak could have serious consequences for Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock sector, local pork producers and national food security.

The restriction applies to everyone, including wholesale distributors, shop and supermarket owners, restaurants, cookshops and individual consumers.

Members of the public are being urged not to import, purchase, sell, distribute or consume prohibited pork and pork products originating from the Dominican Republic.

The Veterinary and Livestock Division said it continues to appeal for the full cooperation of the public to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Protect our pigs. Protect our food. Protect our future,” the Ministry said as it encouraged residents and businesses to help safeguard the country’s swine industry.

The authorities have also reminded travellers and importers that efforts to bring prohibited products into the country could place local farms and livelihoods at risk.

Members of the public who require additional information may contact the Ministry at 268-562-7469 or email [email protected].

This story was first published by Antigua News on August 25, 2026: antigua.news/2026/08/25/antigua-and-barbuda-maintains-ban-on-pork-imports-from-dominican-republic. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (4)

  • Apex Jones August 25, 2026, 11:02 AM

    East local pork. Leave Spanish pork alone
    Reply
  • Informed citizen August 26, 2026, 10:36 AM

    Honestly, I have no problem with this ban. Yes, people might complain because they like certain products, but protecting our local farmers and livestock has to come first. One outbreak could do serious damage to the pork industry here. Better safe than sorry.
    Reply
  • Civic Minded August 26, 2026, 10:39 AM

    I agree with protecting the local pork industry, but the government also needs to make sure local producers can actually meet the demand. We can’t ban imports and then leave consumers struggling with high prices and limited supply. Support local, yes but make sure local can supply too.
    Reply
  • Well-known August 26, 2026, 10:39 AM

    Well, if the risk is there, then keep the ban. We too small to take a chance and end up with our own pigs getting sick. People might vex about it, but protecting our farmers and food supply should come first. Buy local when we can and help the farmers dem. 🇦🇬
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Caribbean

View section