A revised Import Protocol, up-dated to account for new disease threats, has been published by NPA.
Based on an original document which was developed several years ago by the NPA Heads of Breeding Companies committee, the new version has been produced by NPA’s senior policy advisor, Georgina Crayford, again with the help of breeding company representatives.
“All of the primary breeding companies operating in the UK will be going over and above the Import Protocol, but we also need any producers who might be importing stock themselves to take a look and ensure they are compliant,” said Ms Crayford (pictured above).
“The protocol is a recommendation, so minor changes to the testing protocol may be required depending on where the pigs are coming from. It is up to the vet and importing business to ensure that they follow the protocol in such a way as to minimise the risk of bringing anything in.
“It is also worth stressing that the NPA Import Protocol is a Red Tractor requirement and, if the proposed changes to the Red Tractor standard go through, vets will be required to sign an import certificate declaring which diseases have been tested for, demonstrating to auditors that an import protocol has been followed.”
