July 7, 2025

 

UK veterinarians called upon to encourage pig producers to participate in ASF preparedness workshops

 

 

Veterinarians in the United Kingdom have been urged to encourage their pig producer clients to take part in a new series of African swine fever (ASF) preparedness workshops.

 

The levy-funded sessions are designed to help pig producers recognise clinical signs of ASF, understand the disease's routes of spread, and develop strategic disease management and contingency plans for their specific farms.

 

The initiative has been led by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in partnership with livestock protection specialists Livetec Systems and the National Pig Association (NPA).

 

AHDB senior animal health and welfare scientist Miranda Poulson said: "Working alongside veterinary practices across England, these face-to-face sessions will help producers collaborate with their vets to develop bespoke, farm-level contingency plans, supporting the industry to be prepared should an outbreak occur in the UK."

 

The sessions are said to be open to producers of all sizes, ranging from smallholders to large commercial operations.

 

Paul Thompson, clinical director of Garth Vets in East Yorkshire, led the initial session and has urged clinicians who aren't yet involved to join up.

 

He said: "Bringing together a diverse mix of producers, from small independents to larger farming operations, there's something for everyone to take away from these workshops.

 

"So far, it seems one of the biggest eye-openers for many has been the importance of safeguarding personal property and homes from movement restrictions – highlighting the need for strategic boundary planning on farms to mitigate risks."

 

The Pig Veterinary Society will host a "train-the-trainer" workshop at its autumn meeting.

- Vet Times