Shoppers have shown their confidence in pork by continuing to buy sausages from butchers across south Essex in the wake of an outbreak of swine fever.

Butchers in Leigh, Shoebury, Canvey and Benfleet have seen no drop in sales after the disease was detected last week.

Swine fever, which last hit Britain 14 years ago, can only affect pigs and poses no threat to humans. It has been found on five farms including one near Colchester.

A Meat and Livestock Commission spokesman said: "This is purely an animal health problem. This is not something that can occur in humans."

The outbreak has not put shoppers off their bacon, according to south Essex butchers.

Robert Byford, director of award-winning Byford's Food Hall in Eastwood Old Road, Leigh, said pork sales were as strong as ever.

He said: "It used to go down in the summer but we are selling more pork than ever now. My feeling is this will not make any difference to sales."

There was also plenty of confidence in Shoebury at W & R Legg in the High Street.

Owner Roy Legg said: "The wholesale price is rising a bit but we still have our normal sales."

At Barkins Butchers in High Road, Benfleet, no customers had even mentioned concerns about pork.

Michael Arnold said: "I'm still getting my pork and the price hasn't changed."

Robert Nash, owner of Nash Butchers in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, said: "The pork sales are the same here and the wholesale price is pretty stable."

Mighty meaty - butcher Robert Byford with a tray of perfectly safe joints of pork

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

By Charlie Mellor

Reporter's e-mail: charlie.mellor@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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