The National Pig Association (NPA) has alerted producers to the ongoing Government consultation relating to cases of bovine TB in non-bovine farmed animals, stating that the compulsory slaughter of pigs with TB is proposed.
“Producers will probably receive compensation, but they may be better off seeking a licence direct to slaughter,” said NPA in a report on its website.
Noting that cases of TB in pigs have been rising over the years, reflecting the upward trend in cattle, the association added that pigs are unlikely to transmit the disease to other animals.
According to NPA, the key consultation points are:
- Defra proposes primary responsibility for TB surveillance in non-bovines should rest with the keepers of the animals and their vets.
- Where TB is suspected, APHA should apply movement restrictions, implement testing where this is practically possible and, as necessary, compulsorily slaughter farmed animals in which bovine TB is believed to be present.
- The consultation proposes species-specific statutory compensation arrangements for all non-bovine farmed species that are compulsorily slaughtered.
- In order to ensure good value for public money, compensation amounts would be designed to ensure high levels of compliance with disease control measures, incentivisation of owners to manage their own disease risks, and protection of the economic sustainability of animal keepers’ businesses.
- The consultation poses the idea of farmers of meat producing non-bovines being given the opportunity to secure for themselves a salvage value individually negotiated with a slaughterhouse for compulsorily slaughtered animals.
The consultation, which is available for online completion, runs until Friday, November 20.