January 12, 2009
Scottish government funds new project to help pig industry
A new project funded by the Scottish government has been launched to support the pig industry.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), red meat industry promotion and development organisation, is co-ordinating the appointment of a pig veterinary adviser to work with the sector and national organisations to achieve and maintain a high health status for Scottish pig herd.
It is part of a GBP1 million (US$1.5 million) package announced in August by Richard Lochhead, rural affairs secretary, after consultation with pig producers.
Head of industry development with QMS, Andy McGowan said this is a unique opportunity for the Scottish pig industry towards national control and eradication of significant endemic diseases.
McGowan said although the Scottish pig sector is among the best in EU in disease prevention, there is still room for improvement and working closely with these veterinarians can help the industry achieve high health status, matching the efficiency of the best in the world.
Other projects like the provision of additional support for pork campaigns, research into pigmeat labelling and developments for mycotoxin tests have been given the go-ahead for funding.
