BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston has bravely donated a blood sample as part of a new study, and everybody attending the Pig & Poultry Fair can also lend their support.
Public Health England (PHE) is working with BPEX and the NPA on a study into animal diseases spreading to humans (zoonoses) and would like to invite those working with pigs to take part by giving a blood sample.
As a reward, those who give blood will get a free bacon buttie to help them over the shock!
Those who work with other types of animals will also be invited to participate. Volunteers will need to complete a short questionnaire and donate a 10ml blood sample. All information collected in the study will be anonymous and confidential.
When a new zoonosis appears, these samples will be tested to see if there is any evidence of exposure in humans. The results will allow PHE to understand these infections better and to develop public health advice.
PHE will be based at stand 368 at the Pig Fair on May 13/14.