Pig keepers are being warned not to feed kitchen scraps to their animals to prevent outbreaks of animal disease.

The risk level of African swine fever entering the UK was raised over the summer after disease spread in Eastern and Central Europe.

Although there has never been a case of African swine fever, which does not affect humans, in the UK, it is potentially fatal to pigs and could have a devastating effect on the UK’s export market. It would also result in pigs on infected premises being culled to prevent further spread.

UK chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “The introduction of African swine fever would have an enormous impact on our pig industry. No matter how many pigs you keep, you need to be aware of the potential consequences of feeding waste food to your animals. Not only is it illegal, but you run the risk of spreading disease which could be fatal to your livestock.”