The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has relaunched its Muck Free Truck campaign as it aims to strengthen biosecurity across the UK pig industry.
The campaign’s new ‘Muck Off!’ slogan will be in use from October, as AHDB works to reduce the risk of disease spread through contaminated transport vehicles.
First introduced in 2019, Muck Free Truck has been refreshed for 2025 to help tackle ongoing threats, including African swine fever (ASF), swine dysentery, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus PEDv. AHDB said research showed that even when hauliers complied with standstill regulations, vehicles remained one of the most significant vectors for disease transmission.
Working in partnership with the National Pig Association (NPA), Pig Veterinary Society (PVS), British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and Red Tractor, AHDB is leading the relaunch with new visuals, practical resources and calls to action.
“Clean transport is one of the most effective and visible biosecurity measures available.”
Lauren Turner, AHDB
The campaign will be rolled out across digital and print channels, with posters, cab stickers, social media content and tailored communications targeting producers, processors and hauliers. Weekly goody bag giveaways will also provide incentives for participation.
AHDB said that Muck Free Truck was about “changing behaviours and embedding a culture of cleanliness” where every vehicle washed, every disinfected wheel arch and spotless cab is “seen as a frontline defence against disease”.
Lauren Turner, lead animal health & welfare scientist at AHDB, said: “Clean transport is one of the most effective and visible biosecurity measures available. By working together to raise standards, we can protect pig health, safeguard supply chains, and demonstrate that the UK continues to take biosecurity seriously.”
The campaign calls on farmers to challenge and, if necessary, even refuse dirty trucks, while ensuring their own vehicles are properly cleaned. Processors are reminded to make sure lorries leave sites in a clean, biosecure condition and hauliers are urged to meet hygiene standards 100% of the time.
Muck Free Truck has already secured “strong support” from across the sector, with AHDB highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving change and raising standards.
