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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.

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.