African swine fever has now been confirmed in four wild boar in Belgium raising fears the deadly virus could pose a major threat to the UK. African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in the Etalle district near the French border. The finding brings ASF closer to the UK and highlights how the virus can be moved long distances to reach new pig populations.
There is no effective vaccine to protect swine from the disease. And, while the disease poses no direct threat to human health, outbreaks can be devastating with the most virulent forms lethal in 100 percent of infected animals. The National Pig Association (NPA) said the news is 'very concerning' as it represents a big jump geographically. NPA chief executive, Zoe Davies said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure the virus does not reach the UK pig herd... We are also urging producers to prepared for the worst and think about contingency planning, if the virus does make it here, which will result in movement bans and other restrictions."
Source: farminguk.com.
