QMS lead strategy against African Swine Fever
QUALITY Meat Scotland (QMS) is driving eorts to safeguard Scotland’s pig industry against the threat of African Swine
Fever (ASF). To stay ahead of this highly transmissible disease, the organisation has deployed various strategies including participation in global consultations and the establishment of a dedicated
‘Feral Pig Working Group’.
Andy McGown, QMS board member and chief executive of Scottish Pig Producers, recently attended the global consultation on ASF control organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome. Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Andy emphasised the urgent need for proactive measures, citing
QMS highlight the importance of preparing for any potential outbreak of African Swine Fever in the UK
the devastating impact ASF has had on pig populations worldwide.
“Having directly and indirectly killed a quarter of the world’s pig population, ASF is the biggest animal disease outbreak ever recorded and poses a very real threat to Scotland’s pig industry,” Andy stated. “Our goal is to keep it out of the country, but we are also preparing for the possibility of an outbreak and working on contingency plans to minimise its impact.” Highlighting the importance of border controls, Andy expressed deep concerns over existing regulations that could potentially allow the virus to enter the
UK. He stressed the need for stricter measures to prevent the introduction of ASF through commercial and personal imports of pork products.
“Border controls in the UK are woeful,” he said. “Having been delayed for seven years due to Brexit, veterinary certificates are now required for commercial imports, but they aren’t being checked. Unlike Europe, the UK still permits individuals to bring in up to 2kg of pork products for personal consumption. That is being tested and positive results show some does contain viable ASF.
“Across the world we’ve seen this virus spread primarily through wild boar accessing infected food products. It is essential that we minimise the likelihood that the wild boar and feral pigs in Scotland encounter contaminated food.”
Research indicated that the chances of ASF spreading from one infected pig farm to another is around 0.2% while the risk of an infected wild boar or feral pig spreading the disease to an outdoor farm is closer to 50%.
Alongside preventative actions, the global consultation highlighted the importance of a swi¨ and eective response in case of an outbreak. Andy stressed the need for a coordinated approach plan involving testing, culling, and movement controls - beyond those already in place.
Bruce McConachie, head of industry development at QMS explains:
“By taking proactive measures and fostering partnerships, we are working towards ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Scotland’s pig industry in the face of emerging threats like ASF.