As African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading in Europe, farmers have asked the government to stop the import of pork from the affected countries.

NFU Scotland has written to the UK government calling on it to stop pork imports into the UK from European countries with confirmed cases of ASF.

It has also pointed out that no checks have been carried out on pork imported from the EU since January.

ASF has up to 100 per cent mortality rate on farm and there is no vaccine for the disease.

The disease is currently spreading across Germany, and has already been found in Belgium, Romania and Poland.

Without action, the risk of ASF entering the UK remains high, says NFU Scotland - and if it does, it has the potential to devastate the domestic pig sector.

In a letter to George Eustice MP, Environment Secretary, President Martin Kennedy wrote: "Since January 2021, no checks have been carried out on EU pork imports to the UK.

"At a time when there is a serious biosecurity risk to our country, this can’t be allowed to continue.

"ASF is moving fast across Europe and we have had reports that the situation is worsening.

"It is spreading across Germany, is in Belgium, Romania, Poland and is now not far from France.

“The UK government has taken no action to date due to concerns about breaking compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

"We have been told that action would be permitted if Europe is having difficulties in controlling disease outbreaks.

"Following discussions with European colleagues, this is clearly now the case.

“I am in no doubt that, should the situation have been reversed, our exports would have been stopped entering Europe many weeks ago.

“I urge you to take action to prevent devastation to our pig sector and stop imports of pork from EU countries with ASF with immediate effect.

"Unless action is taken soon, the serious risk of ASF entering the UK remains.

"The UK government must act quickly."