August 25, 2020

Cranswick pig processing site in Northern Ireland suspends operation following COVID-19 infections

A pig processing facility in County Antrim Northern Ireland has suspended operations after workers at the site were found infected with COVID-19.

The Cranswick plant in Cullybackey, near Ballymena, has stopped production following the identification of 35 coronavirus cases among the factory's 500 workers.

The closure took effect on August 22, with all staff to be sent for testing. "If the test results are positive, the individual will be required to self-isolate for 10 days; if the test results are negative, the individual will be required to self-isolate for 14 days," said Cranswick, one of the United Kingdom's biggest pig processors.

Discussions are reportedly under way with other processors to take pigs which cannot be slaughtered at Ballymena, according to the BBC.

- Farming UK