NPA seeks clarity on UK’s ability to export pork to EU in event of ASF outbreak

The NPA is seeking clarity on whether the regionalisation approach would apply to pork exports to the EU in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the UK. Under the EU’s ASF regulations, where an outbreak occurs, the sale of pork products from the affected region to other member states is outlawed. However, exports can continue from regions of the country not affected by ASF to other parts of the EU. This rule has been applied in a number of member states that have experienced ASF outbreaks in recent years, including Germany, Italy and Poland. The UK continues to import pork from ASF-free regions of affected countries. But it remains unclear what the situation is following the UK’s departure from the EU. UK regionalisation in the event of ASF will be part of the Disease of Swine Regulations expected to be laid before parliament next year. NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said more immediate answers are needed. “We don’t know if our trading partners would recognise ...