Uncontrolled spread of ASF in Ukraine poses threat to UK
© Tim Scrivener African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks on farms supplying Ukrainian troops and the general public pose a threat to the UK’s pig industry, ministers have been warned.
According to the Ukrainian Meat Industry Association (MIA), some farmers dealing with outbreaks have submitted veterinary certificates of “dubious origin” when presenting pigs for processing, in a bid to avoid bankruptcy.
See also: Could the pig industry survive an African Swine Fever outbreak?
The group is appealing to the UK government to provide funding for 10,000 ASF rapid virus test kits to control spread of the disease pre-slaughter.
The call has been supported by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims) in the UK, which has written to biosecurity minister Baroness Hayman to request the help.
Aims has spoken to Abbexa, a UK supplier of the kits, which put the cost at £71,100.
In the email to Baroness Hayman, seen by Farmers Weekly, Aims’ head of marketing and communications, Tony Goodger, said: “ASF in Ukraine could easily spread across borders and place a greater burden on mainland Europe, which in turn, could leave us susceptible to the disease’s entry to the UK.
“I accept that £71,100 of UK government support for the Ukrainian pig industry is a big ask.
“However, it is always important to remember that feeding the Ukrainian army is every bit as important as arming them.
“And when peace comes, the country’s agricultural infrastructure will be essential to rebuilding their economy.”
The UK government has already supplied £12.5bn of funding for the Ukrainian war effort.
Aims has provided free veterinary advice and logistical support to the MIA.