Are there any threats to fish shipments?

[RogueDiscus]

I was just wondering if there's been any discussion of the virus containment measures affecting the ability to ship live fish. Specifically Asian importers, but I suppose from anywhere.

[Willie]

The virus cannot survive for long on surfaces. CDC estimates its maximum survival time is 24 hours. It takes 36+ hours to get fish from Kuala Lumpur to the West Coast.

Of course, the same cannot be said for Europe. It's only an 8-hour flight from Amsterdam to the Midwest.

[planter]

Until this is over it might be wise to avoid international shipments. At this time holding shipments, delayed or last minute flight changes are a real possibility. Not the best climate to be shipping live animals

[LizStreithorst]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but do we know how long it can survive in the shipping water? Just curious.

[TonySimm]

It's an airborne disease the shipping water would not be a threat. Airborne diseases will survive on surfaces for a period of time and that time can vary. A contaminated sneeze on a shipping box or a delivery person, warehouse worker etc could pass it on the item itself.

[Second Hand Pat]

My concern would be if the international airlines are actually flying into the US.
Pat

[RogueDiscus]

My concern would be if the international airlines are actually flying into the US.
Pat

So, isn't that how Kenny get's his fish, for instance?

[danotaylor]

It is not a true airborne disease. It will spread through particles sneezed or coughed, but the virus will not stay suspended in the air. It is considered a "contact" precaution. On the news 2 nights ago I saw a report that lab testing confirmed it could survive up to 72 hours on surfaces in a wide range of temps and humidity levels.

[jeep]

The ban is on people, not commodities. Hans just received a shipment yesterday...

[peewee1]

The virus cannot survive for long on surfaces. CDC estimates its maximum survival time is 24 hours. It takes 36+ hours to get fish from Kuala Lumpur to the West Coast.

Of course, the same cannot be said for Europe. It's only an 8-hour flight from Amsterdam to the Midwest.

Continue. The shipment arrives in the US. The product is packed for reshipment one week later. At repackaging the packer sneezes on the box. The UPS package handler sneezes on the box while loading the plane. The UPS package handler sneezes on the package 5 hours later as he/she unloads the plane. Three hours later the UPS deliver driver sneezes on the package one hour before he/she delivers the package to you. In other works you will not be able to avoid the virus at any point in time. Wear gloves and a mask when you accept your shipment and during unpacking then throw the packing box away and then remove your mask and gloves.

Where I work, Willie, a sanitation crew visits twice a day. They disinfect everything. I would not be worried about the fish coming from anywhere else but only your local deliver service.

[danotaylor]

The ban is on people, not commodities. Hans just received a shipment yesterday...

Prob his last shipment from Europe until the new European travel ban lifts I'd say...

[dspeers]

Actually the virus can survive up to 3 days on some surfaces. In addition the question about water contamination is reasonable. Much like all the folks above who sneezed on the package, whoever bagged the fish may have sneezed/actually more likely a cough as covid does not cause much nasal irritation/into the bag and aquarium water has no antiviral properties. Gloves makes sense when handling a delivery but why a mask? Masks other than N-95 work when sick folks wear them and N-95 only work if worn appropriately, replaced every 8 hours, and removed without self contamination. Most studies show minimal benefit of wearing either a surgical or N-95 mask unless you put them on sick people.

[Second Hand Pat]

So, isn't that how Kenny get's his fish, for instance?

Good question for Kenny Steve. My concern is if you ban entry into the US of people from several counties and airlines may not have the passenger numbers to make the flight worthwhile. I think airlines make their money on passenger counts vs cargo.
Pat

[brady]

The fish will be alright as long as they have toilet paper.
Jay

[peewee1]

Good question for Kenny Steve. My concern is if you ban entry into the US of people from several counties and airlines may not have the passenger numbers to make the flight worthwhile. I think airlines make their money on passenger counts vs cargo.
Pat

UPS, Cathay Air Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, FedEx, etc planes are flying without schedule interruption. Cargo may backlog at airports if that which was destine to be sent by commercial air was diverted to cargo air.