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Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK. The National Pig Association national... Protect our borders, minister urged

Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK.

The National Pig Association national biosecurity and better border controls should be a top priority amid fears that a major disease outbreak could devastate Britain’s outdoor herds and indoor units.

It comes as African Swine Fever continues to spread to new regions and new countries.

More cases of the disease have been confirmed in Asia and Europe over the past few months, including four cases in Germany this summer.

Border controls

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson and senior policy adviser Tom Haynes held top level talks with Defra farm minister Daniel Zeichner on the issue last month. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled in due course.

Ms Wilson said: “We outlined our concerns around the lack of border controls for both illegally imported meat and now legally imported commercial meat since the Border TOM system was introduced.”

It remains illegal for travellers to import meat or dairy products from Asia and other non-EU country areas. Imports of infected pork from affected parts of Asia present a significant route of entry of African Swine Fever into the UK, says the NPA.

Affected regions

The German cases are particularly worrying. The virus was initially detected among wild boar in June. It was then detected on a smallholding in early July – followed by a pig unit with 1,100 animals in mid-July.

Pig farmers in the affected region are being asked to examine herds daily for signs of disease and to report them immediately to their local veterinary office. This process resulted in the discovery of the two latest outbreaks.

Some commentators fear it is only a matter of time before the virus reaches the UK.  People returning from affected areas are advised to avoid contact with pigs on commercial farmers, and smallholdings..

Proper checks

Ms Wilson said the NPA wanted to continue its close working relationship with the new government – as well as investment in Britain’s biosecurity, including proper checks on illegal meat imports at the Port of Dover.

“There remain a number of challenges that we must continue working hard to overcome, not least the threat of African Swine Fever in Europe and the need to deliver fairness in the supply chain for our farmers.”

Campaign returns to promote British pork

Consumers were encouraged to Feed Your Family for Less when the British pork campaign returned last month.

The AHDB initiative aims to inspire consumers to see British pork as an affordable, tasty and healthy meal choice. It was seen on social media, on YouTube and in seven supermarket chains between 5–31 July.

Budget friendly

The campaign showcases pork as a delicious, healthy and budget-friendly choice with easy-to-prepare recipes using cuts such as 5%-fat mince, loin steaks and fillet, all under £1.50 per portion.

Summer recipes included Mexican-style pork burgers, creamy lemon pork pasta and Korean-style pork mince bowls – all shown in social media adverts across Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

The recipes also featured in the healthy pork recipes collection on the AHDB’s Love Pork website. Shoppers could download affordable recipe ideas through on-pack stickers with QR codes to scan as well as signage in aisles.

Influencer Lucy Kent said pork was quick and easy to prepare – as well as being healthy. Social media is an increasingly popular way to reach consumers on a regular basis. The AHDB uses it throughout the year to promote British pork.