Pigs face cull over export ban

THIRTY THOUSAND animals will face slaughter unless measures banning the consumption and export of pork are not immediately lifted, pig farmers said yesterday.

"Day by day, the problem gets worse and if the measures are not stopped regarding the export of meat as soon as possible, the number of pigs that have to be slaughtered will increase exponentially with disproportionate consequences for pig farmers," the Pig Farmers Association said.

The farmers said they faced certain financial ruin unless the EU embargo following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth on the island was lifted, particularly ahead of the Christmas period when pork exports usually increased.