Strict new rules have been introduced to tackle the risk of African swine fever (ASF).

From yesterday (Thursday, September 1) people are not allowed to bring more than 2kg (4.4lbs) of pork or pork products into the UK unless it has been produced to EU standards.

This comes after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) raised the risk level of ASF arriving in the UK to 'medium risk’.

APHA found the most likely way the virus could be introduced is by a member of the public bringing pork or pork products back from an ASF-affected country, in luggage or vehicles.

ASF has been spreading across Europe in recent months, leading to the deaths of thousands of pigs.

The UK’s deputy chief veterinary Officer Richard Irvine said: “If African swine fever ever reached the UK it would have a severe and damaging impact on our pigs and pig industry.

"A single outbreak of this highly infectious disease would also harm relations with our trading partners and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of our pig farmers.”

ASF has spread in Germany and Italy, resulting in damaging export bans.

Senior policy adviser Rebecca Veale said: "We are very pleased that government has understood the risk African swine fever poses to our national pig herd and in listening to our call for action is now significantly strengthening the protection of our borders.

"Notifiable diseases such as ASF not only compromise the health and welfare of the pigs and potentially devastate businesses up and down the country, but an outbreak would also have huge implications for our ability to trade.

"The risk of ASF has never been so great and the recent outbreaks linked to human movement in Italy and Germany have served as a stark reminder of just how vulnerable we are."

The new rules do not apply to commercial imports.

African swine fever poses no risk to human health but is a highly contagious disease for pigs and wild boar.