In the latest issue of Pig World, Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB’s Head of Animal Health & Welfare highlights the importance of having contingency plans in place in preparation for the discovery of the ASF virus in the UK.
As African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to jump around Europe (and other parts of the world), the UK remains at high risk for a disease incursion.
We have seen the spread of ASF caused mainly by human movement of meat containing the virus and that then getting into the pigs. Imported pork from ASF areas such as Europe or China is therefore our greatest risk.
While border checks are a deterrent, we know that pork which is possibly containing the ASF virus does come into the UK. This means the best way we can prevent ASF on our pig farms is through great biosecurity.
Most pig producers are aware of that and maintain high standards. Unfortunately, some do not. So, what would happen if your neighbour broke with ASF? Would you be prepared? It is likely there would be significant movement restrictions on your pigs and visitors.
Now is the time to make sure that you have thought through the ramifications of locking down your farm. Much will be out of your hands, but knowing where you could/could not send or buy pigs from, who to contact and what help is around is all useful information that you can gather now.
If you have more than one unit, have you considered practically how things would need to change if one of the units was under restriction? A simulation exercise with staff can identify pinch points and it is better to think about these before the situation arises.
We are encouraging all pig units to consider the issues that would manifest on farm and identify any possible solutions that could help ease the difficulties. There is no doubt, if ASF hits, it will hit hard. Having a contingency plan is not going to solve all issues but it can help.
Thought should be given in the plan to animal movement on and off the farm and to abattoir as well as to feed, haulage, other visitors and so on. It is also worth considering the impact of such a disease outbreak would have on staff. On affected farms, pigs will be culled. It is a horrible thought, but thinking the logistics through before the event can help in an eventuality.
During the last foot and mouth outbreak, many suffered mental health issues. Employers have an obligation to look after the wellbeing of staff and this is particularly needed during times of crisis. There are several organisations that are able to help outline support before it is needed.
We must keep up the biosecurity to prevent ASF ever getting on our farms, and we can consider steps we may take if we, or our neighbours, do become affected. A good starting place is the contingency plan developed by AHDB and NPA.
The guide will take you through the process of preparing a plan, for example, if you are placed in a restriction zone.
- For more, please visit ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/contingency-planning-for-pig-keepers