A killer disease is at risk of spreading to Ireland, it was warned tonight.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has issued advice to the public about the deadly pig disease called African Swine Fever as well as the risk it poses to the pig sector in Ireland.
ASF is spreading across the world with serious consequences for pig farmers, meat processors and exporters in the affected countries, but it is not dangerous to humans.
The minister said: “while we have some advantages in that we are an island, there is no room for complacency here”.
“The disease is not a threat to human health and meat is completely safe to eat but an outbreak of the disease would have an enormous impact on our pig industry.
“The virus that causes ASF is quite virulent and can spread by accidental acts of individuals, in particular inappropriate disposal of waste food.”
It was also warned that the disease can survive for months in pork and pork products including cured meats such as ham and salami.
The minister added that those who have pigs should “not feed waste food that contains meat or meat products to them".
He said: "A simple ham sandwich, salami or meat product could bring this disease to our doorstep and it would be devastating”.
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