Deadly African swine fever which could cripple British farming is heading to UK, leaked government report warns
DEADLY African swine fever which could cripple British farming is heading to the UK, a leaked government report warns.
The secret document says it is “probable” the virus will be here within months.
It is being spread though infected illegal pork products.
And the Cabinet Office’s emergency COBR Unit alert comes after port health officials warned in January they are “barely scratching the surface” of illegal pork meat entering at Dover.
They told of “devastating consequences” if African swine fever came to the UK.
It poses no human threat but kills most domestic pigs that catch it.
Since September 2022, when checks were introduced, 60 tonnes of illegal pork have been seized.
Lucy Manzano, head of port health and public protection at Dover District Council, said: “If it lands here it will result in UK culling programmes and export bans.
“It will absolutely have devastating consequences for our pig farmers, wild pig community and reputation.”
Pork arrives in various forms including whole pigs, chops, sausages, heads, feet, tails, and skin.
She added efforts to stop it could have come too late.
A UK government spokesperson said: “African swine fever is a disease that affects pigs and not humans.
“Preventing an outbreak in the UK remains one of our key biosecurity priorities and we have published extensive information and guidance about the disease.
“We work closely with Port Health Authorities and Border Force to ensure our strict border controls are enforced.”