Veterinary practices across the UK are being urged to take the lead on African Swine Fever (ASF) preparedness, by signing up their pig producer clients to a new series of levy-funded contingency planning workshops.
Organised by AHDB in partnership with Livetec Systems and the National Pig Association (NPA), the nationwide series of in-person workshops is open to all producers – from smallholders to large commercial units.
Paul Thompson, clinical director at Garth Vets, led a well-attended first session at Garth Beverly Racecourse, and is calling on fellow practitioners to get involved.
“Bringing together a diverse mix of producers, from small independents to larger farming operations, there’s something for everyone to take away from these workshops,” he said.
He explained the workshops are focused on helping producers to identify clinical signs of ASF, understand routes of spread, and facilitate the co-development of strategic farm-specific disease management and contingency plans.
Mr Thompson added: “So far, it seems one of the biggest eye-openers for many has been the importance of safeguarding personal property and homes from movement restrictions – highlighting the need for strategic boundary planning on farms to mitigate risks.”
Miranda Poulson, senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB, says vet involvement is critical to the success of the programme.
“We’re proud to partner with Livetec Systems and the NPA to deliver this hands-on workshop programme, supporting pig producers in becoming better prepared for ASF,” she said.
“Working alongside veterinary practices across England, these face-to-face sessions will help producers collaborate with their vets to develop bespoke, farm-level contingency plans, supporting the industry to be prepared should an outbreak occur in the UK.”
Practices not yet engaged in the programme are encouraged to register their interest or book producer clients onto an existing workshop.
