Scotland’s pig producers have been asked to follow through on their 100% commitment to animal health and welfare by returning a signed copy of the industry’s new Scottish Pig Health Charter by April 1.
The charter, which drew unanimous producer support during last year’s Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) pig conference, was sent to farmers and vets in Scotland earlier this month, along with a request for the document to be signed and returned promptly.
“The Scottish pig industry has an enviable track record in terms of animal health and welfare and the establishment of this new health charter is a very welcome further development,” said QMS chairman, Jim McLaren (pictured above).
“Initiatives, such as this, which improve pig health, make total sense, not only in terms of further improving welfare but also in terms of the efficiency and productivity benefits they bring to our national herd.”
The charter is designed to “further enhance the range of measures already in place to protect, monitor and improve pig health on Scottish farms and add weight to the existing Scottish Pig Health Scheme”.
It also includes the creation of health profiles for pig units in different areas, along with the geographical mapping of the regional distribution of diseases.
“This will help support a rapid response process through the Scottish Pig Disease Control Centre in the case of any outbreak of disease, in order to control and limit the spread,” said QMS.
