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Low-level herd diseases in pigs to be identified at slaughter
12 different health conditions will be tested for as part of the scheme.
New scheme will allow pig farmers access to post-mortem data

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) are inviting pig farmers to join a new scheme that will provide access to post-mortem data on their pig herd at slaughter.

The aim of the scheme is to provide information on low-level diseases that the farmer may not be aware of. Through this close observation, it is hoped that health and welfare will improve and performance increased.

12 different health conditions affecting the heart, liver, skin and lungs (including enzootic pneumonia and pleuritis) will be tested for by a veterinary assessor at the time of slaughter. A full report will then be provided that can instigate discussion and health plans with a veterinary surgeon.

Results from the report can be useful in assessing any recent changes to feed, conditions or vaccination programmes.

This new scheme is a replacement for the British Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) that was halted in October 2017 so that AHDB could partner with abattoirs and veterinary surgeons to produce an improved process.

Commenting on the scheme, Lauren Turner, Pork Processing Projects Manager said: “The Pig Health Scheme will allow you to get information on diseases that you may not be aware of, and may help to reduce those unexplained falls in performance that seem to have no cause but gradually lose you money over time by reducing growth rates.”

The scheme is free to join and more information can be found here.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
King Charles becomes patron of The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has announced that King Charles has become its latest patron, continuing a long-standing royal tradition.

His patronage follows the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron from 1952, the year of her coronation, until her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club has received royal support since it began in 1873, when it received support from Prince Edward, then Prince of Wales. When he ascended to the throne in 1901, King Edward began a tradition of the head of state offering their patronage.

Tony Allcock, Kennel Club Chairman, said: "We are delighted and most honoured that His Majesty the King will continue the tradition of royal support for The Kennel Club and help us in our mission in making a positive difference for dogs and their owners."