Deadly African swine fever is heading to UK, leaked document warns

Published 2024년 8월 6일

Tridge summary

A leaked government report has suggested that Africa Swine Flu (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease, is likely to be introduced into the UK through illegal pork meat smuggling at Dover, despite efforts to prevent an outbreak. The disease, which poses no threat to humans but is fatal to most pigs, is spreading across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Officials admit they are only scratching the surface of the issue and that current border controls are not sufficient. The Livestock Chain Advisory Group (LCAG), representing various farming unions and associations, has expressed serious concerns over the situation and the reduction in funding for border control efforts.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The Sun reported it is “probable” that the highly contagious viral disease will be in the country within months. The leaked government report seen by the media outlet was supposed to reveal concerns from officials who admit they are “barely scratching the surface” of illegal pork meat smuggling through Dover. The Cabinet Office’s emergency COBR Unit raised the alert following admissions by port health officials in January about the scale of illicit pork entering the country. Lucy Manzano, head of port health and public protection at Dover District Council, said about the disease: “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.” Ms Manzano added efforts to stop it could have come too late. Pork arrives to the UK in various forms, including whole pigs, chops, sausages, heads, feet, tails, and skin. A UK government spokesperson told the media that ...

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