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Temporary visas to help tackle pig backlogs
The NPA believes that some 6,000 pigs have been culled so far on farms owing to a lack of space.
Government announces package of measures to avoid further culls.

Up to 800 overseas butchers will be eligible to apply for temporary visas to help ease the backlog on UK pig farms, the Government has announced.

Under the plans, pork butchers will have until 31 December to apply for visas from the existing allocation in the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme, allowing them to travel and work in the UK for six months. 

The Government said the move is ‘not a long term solution’ and businesses 'must make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce to build a high-wage, high-skill economy, instead of relying on overseas labour.'

It forms part of a package of measures announced by the Government on Thursday (14 October) to ease the growing pressure on the pig sector. The NPA believes that around 6,000 pigs have been culled so far on farms owing to a lack of space.

Reacting to the announcement, NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: "We are so very relieved that the Government has finally released some measures aimed at reducing the significant pig backlog on farms.

"We are working with the processors to understand the impact of these new measures and to determine exactly what will happen now, and how quickly, so that we can give pig farmers some hope and stem the flow of healthy pigs currently having to be culled on farms."

Other measures announced on Thursday include a Government-funded private storage aid scheme in England. The scheme will enable meat processors to store slaughtered pigs for three-six months, so they can be preserved safely and processed at a later date. 

The Government has also pledged to work with the pig industry to introduce processing of animals on Saturdays and longer working days where possible. 

Defra secretary, George Eustice, said: “A unique range of pressures on the pig sector over recent months such as the impacts of the pandemic and its effect on export markets have led to the temporary package of measures we are announcing today. This is the result of close working with industry to understand how we can support them through this challenging time.”

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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. 

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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.