UK pig producers are being urged to take part in a short industry survey designed to assess how prepared farms are to deal with major disease threats such as African Swine Fever (ASF).
The five-minute survey, launched by Roam Technology, aims to build a clearer picture of current biosecurity practices on UK pig farms and identify areas where further support may be needed.
With the threat of transboundary diseases increasing across Europe, the survey comes at a critical time for the UK pig sector.
Nigel Bennet, biosecurity specialist at Roam Technology, said the risks facing the industry are very real.
“External disease threats such as African Swine Fever (ASF) present one of the biggest risks to the UK pig sector,” Mr Bennet said. “While the UK remains free from ASF, the disease continues to circulate across Europe, with the most recent cases in Spain, highlighting the importance of maintaining the highest possible biosecurity standards.
“By understanding what producers are currently doing well, and where there may be gaps, we can help ensure the industry has the tools, knowledge and support needed to strengthen farm biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease entering the country.”
Recent disease developments in Europe have demonstrated how unpredictable the spread of ASF can be. In September 2023, the virus jumped more than 400 kilometres across the Baltic Sea to Sweden from infected areas in Latvia and Poland, underlining the role that human activity can play in disease transmission.
“Events like this demonstrate that the most likely route of transmission is human-mediated,” added Mr Bennet.
“A disease incursion into Great Britain could only occur through a breach in biosecurity, and the consequences for the UK pig industry would be significant in terms of both economic and trade impacts.”
Concerns about the UK’s vulnerability to external disease threats have also been raised by the National Pig Association (NPA), which last year gave evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee highlighting biosecurity lapses at UK ports.
The organisation reported evidence suggesting illegally imported meat is entering the country through both personal and commercial routes. The NPA has also expressed concern that enforcement resources for existing control measures may not be sufficient.
Mr Bennet said industry awareness and preparedness remain key.
“Strong on-farm biosecurity remains the UK pig sector’s first line of defence,” he said. “By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, producers can help contribute to a clearer understanding of the industry’s readiness and ultimately help strengthen protection for the entire sector.”
The survey takes around five minutes to complete and is open to all UK pig producers. Farmers completing the survey can be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher of their choice.
To take the survey, click here.
