Netherlands imposes ban on pig imports from U.K.

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -- The Dutch Agriculture Ministry has banned the import of pigs from Britain, where thousands of the animals are to be killed following the first outbreak of swine fever there in 14 years.

"As of 2000 (local time on Thursday) a full ban is imposed on transporting to the Netherlands and within the Netherlands pigs that come from the United Kingdom," the ministry said in a statement late on Thursday.

"Consultation with the industry showed it was in favor of measures that prevent the import of British pigs," it added.

So far there have been no signs that the swine fever virus has spread into the Netherlands, the statement said.

Farmers who imported UK pigs are not allowed to transport any pigs or products including sperm, within the Netherlands.

Veterinarians will first check whether these pigs are carrying the swine fever virus, which is highly contagious to animals but harmless to humans.

A swine fever epidemic swept the Netherlands in 1997, affecting 429 farms and leading to the slaughter of nearly 10 million pigs.

This year laws took effect forcing a 10 percent cut in pig numbers. In June the pig herd fell to 13.1 million, about 300,000 less than in June 1999 and near the total 15 years ago.

Belgium's agriculture ministry said on Friday it would reinforce import controls on live pigs from Britain, where swine fever has been found in the eastern county Suffolk.

"Naturally live pigs from Suffolk cannot be imported, but this is a ban imposed by the British authorities themselves," a ministry spokesman said.

Companies wishing to import pigs from Britain are obliged to inform the Belgian veterinary service 48 hours in advance.

In addition, some 40 Belgian pig farms have been placed under increased surveillance following the outbreak in Britain.

Only one Belgium farm has bought live pigs for breeding from Suffolk since early July and it has been isolated. Initial tests have shown no signs of the disease, the spokesman said.

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