Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Defra to fund research into pig stunning methods
Pig
Research shows that pigs find direct exposure to CO2 aversive.
Project to develop more humane methods of slaughter

Research into alternatives to the use of carbon dioxide for the commercial slaughter of pigs will be jointly funded by Defra, it has been announced.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) and Defra are offering up to £400,000 for a project to develop a more humane ways to stun pigs at slaughter.

It is common practice for pigs to be exposed to high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) before slaughter, particularly in the UK and other EU member states.

But research shows that pigs find direct exposure to CO2 aversive. In 2003, a report published by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) recommended that this method should be phased out.

A report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed the effectiveness of the method, but noted that it resulted in respiratory distress in pigs. The HSA said that similar concerns expressed for poultry and alternative controlled atmosphere systems are now in use within the poultry industry.

Defra and the HSA said that they are both committed to improving the welfare of animals at slaughter and the funding aims to develop a more humane method which could replace high-concentration CO2 stunning of pigs.

They add that the project aims to ensure that any proposed method is not only more humane but also practically and economically viable so that it is likely to be widely adopted by the pig industry.

“The HSA hopes that this collaborative funding opportunity with Defra will lead to improvements in the welfare of pigs at the time of slaughter,” commented HSA’s chief executive & scientific director Dr Robert Hubrecht.

Welcoming the announcement, the National Pig Association (NPA) said it was pleased funding has been made available for research into new methods.

NPA senior policy advisor Georgina Crayford said: “We also welcome HSA’s acknowledgement that new methods need to be commercially viable to ensure roll out but, until an alternative is found, CO2 stunning remains best practice.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."