NGO members urged to join African Swine Fever fight

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) is urging its members to help prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), by following Government guidelines and taking strict precautions when hunting abroad.

The NGO has been working with the Government to raise awareness of the risks posed by the disease, which is highly contagious, usually fatal to pigs and currently spreading through continental Europe.

The virus can survive months or even years in smoked, dried, cured and frozen meat and meat products from infected pork or wild boar. Hunters can also inadvertently bring back ASF infection through contaminated boots, clothes, vehicles or equipment.

It is feared that the disease could have a devastating impact on the UK pork industry if it reaches this country. To avoid this, the NGO is advising shooters to: • Avoid hunting in ASF affected countries; • Avoid contact with wild boar found dead or sick; • Avoid contact with UK domestic pigs or wild boar on their return; • Not bring any meat or pork products back to the UK; • Never feed pigs or wild boar with any meat or meat products; • Not take any dogs on hunting trips; • Clean and disinfect clothing, equipment, vehicles and footwear before returning to the UK.

Liam Bell, chairman of the NGO, said: “As responsible game shooters, it is vital that we all play our part in helping to keep this terrible disease out of the UK to help protect the health of our pigs. If in any doubt about what to do, comprehensive biosecurity advice and the latest news can be found on Defra’s website as well as the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish equivalents.”