NFU Mutual has now launched the African swine fever insurance product, which offers financial protection for farmers whose premises become directly affected by an outbreak of the viral disease.

According to NPA's latest report, there has been "plenty of interest" in the product but uptake has been very slow so far. This raises the question as to whether UK pig producers think their businesses are truly at risk from the plight of disease right now.

NFU Mutual is now facing a situation where the scheme will close, without possibility of reopening as, so far, it cannot demonstrate that the insurance scheme will be utilised.

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said. “We would really like to hear members’ feedback on this.

“We have always believed that ASF insurance could be a very useful tool for pig businesses and we would not like to see the scheme scrapped at this stage, which is why we are seeking a more thorough understanding of potential uptake across the industry.

“Of course, the decision at business level will be based on a number of factors, including perceived risk.

“But, it is important to point out that, while all the focus is currently on COVID-19, ASF is continuing to spread globally and remains a very real threat to the UK pig industry.

“It is now only 10km from the German border in Poland and cases continue to be reported in numerous European, Asian and African countries. The virus has just been reported in India for the first time.

“Once global travel returns to something like normality, the risk of further spread will be heightened again.”

The NPA asks that you submit your views to [email protected], or if you want to comment publicly, you can have your say on the forum.