Scottish pig producers back new pig health charter
The Scottish pig industry is highlighting its on-going commitment to animal health and welfare by supporting the creation of a Scottish Pig Health Charter, says Quality Meat Scotland.
Jim McLaren, chairman of QMS.
At the end of last year Scottish pig producers at the QMS pig conference gave a 100% backing to the new charter, which is expected 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, run by QMS.
According to QMS the benefits of the charter will include the creation of health profiles of pig units in different areas, as well as the geographical mapping of the regional distribution of diseases.
The charter will also look to help support a rapid response through the Scottish Pig Disease Control Centre (SPDCC) in the case of any outbreak of disease, in order to control and limit the spread.
Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “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.
“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.”
Pig farmers and vets throughout Scotland have this month received information about the charter and have been asked to return the signed document by Friday 1st April.
Easter plea from NFU on British lamb
