Measures taken to keep African Swine Flu off Island

Measures are to be introduced to protect the Island's pig population from a pandemic currently sweeping Europe.

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious disease for pigs which has been spreading in mainland Europe leading to the deaths of thousands of pigs, and causing significant disruption to the meat trade.

The Order, set to go before Tynwald today, will see restrictions on certain products from the EU Member States, European Free Trade Association States, Greenland and Faroe Islands.

The restrictions apply unless the products have been produced to relevant EU commercial standards, or are under 2 kg in weight.

A call has also gone out to people not to bring pork products back to the Island if they've been holidaying in any of these areas.