The significant disease charter, launched in June this year by AHDB Pork, now covers 40,000 sows, an initial sign-up which is seen as a “good start” to the industry’s overall plan to tackle PEDv, should it arrive in the UK.
Run by AHDB Pork on behalf of the Pig Health and Welfare Council, the charter is an extension of the former swine dysentery charter, which dates from 2009. The aim of the new approach is to share information quickly, making the control and elimination of disease easier and faster.
“It is part of a joined-up approach across industry (against PEDv) which has proved extremely effective in Canada,” said AHDB Pork veterinary manager Martin Smith (pictured above).
“While 40,000 sows is a good start for the charter, however, it still only represents 10% of the national herd. I would therefore urge all producers to sign up as the charter is for their benefit.”
A series of standard operating procedures for dealing with PEDv has also been published on the AHDB Pork website. These tell people across the supply chain what their responsibilities are in the event of an outbreak and also define the lines of communication.