“The UK Government has taken no action to date due to concerns about breaking compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement," Kennedy wrote in his letter. "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," Kennedy said. "Unless action is taken soon, the serious risk of ASF entering the UK remains."

According to NFU Scotland, around 40% of the meat consumed in the UK is pork and the economic output of pig farmers in Scotland is significant.

Without action the risk of African swine fever (ASF) entering the UK remains high, said the NFU Scotland press release pointing to the potential economic impact an outbreak could have on Scotland's domestic pig sector.

ASF is currently spreading across Germany, and has also been found in Belgium, Romania, and Poland. There is no vaccine for the disease, and it causes up to 100% mortality on-farm.

In a letter written to George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Friday 3 December, President Martin Kennedy voiced the concerns of NFU Scotland members over ASF.

“Since January 2021, no checks have been carried out on EU pork imports to the UK," wrote Kennedy. "At a time when there is a serious biosecurity risk to our country, this can’t be allowed to continue."

ASF outbreaks have occurred across Europe. There have been reports in Germany, Belgium, Romania and Poland.

“The UK Government has taken no action to date due to concerns about breaking compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement," Kennedy wrote in his letter. "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," Kennedy said. "Unless action is taken soon, the serious risk of ASF entering the UK remains."

According to NFU Scotland, around 40% of the meat consumed in the UK is pork and the economic output of pig farmers in Scotland is significant.