Livetec were delighted to be asked to contribute their livestock disease outbreak experience to a panel discussion on Contingency Planning for African swine fever (ASF) at Pig and Poultry Fair 2024
The expert panel of experts consisted of a range of representatives. These came from National Pig Association (NPA), The Pig Veterinary Society (PVS), the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and our own Julian Sparrey, Technical Director at Livetec Systems.
First to speak was Gemma Thwaites from Garth veterinary pig practice, and president of the PVS. Her talk explored the recent history of ASF, from its African origins to its movement into Georgia, Eastern Europe and then, in 2019 to Belgium. From here, the disease has spread steadily westwards across the continent with outbreaks in Sweden, Italy and Germany.
ASF to the UK?
Widespread concern was raised about illegal meat product imports. Products potentially infected with ASF could be transported to the UK via the English Channel or North Sea.
Gemma’s talk made clear the scale of the devastating impact this would have. In these circumstances, all pig trade to and from the UK would stop and any container ships or other vehicles transporting UK pig products would be recalled.
The financial cost to both individual farmers and the UK’s pork and pig industries from such restrictions would be catastrophic. Resumption of normal trade of pork and pig products could take several years to be normalised.
Impacts of an ASF outbreak
The next part of the discussion was delivered by Mandy Nevel from the AHDB. She outlined what happens if an outbreak is suspected, stressing that any suspected outbreak must be reported, as African swine fever is a notifiable disease. Once reported, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) attend, take samples for testing and review farm records for the last 21 days. If diagnosis is confirmed, officials will take control of the farm.
As well as testing and farm records, control zones will be implemented around the premises. Should multiple farms in an area be affected, zones might overlap. Upon disease confirmation, animals must be culled to eradicate the disease and prevent further spread.
In addition, strict regulations on any movement on and off the farm will also be implemented. These prevent people and vehicles from entering or leaving the premises except under the authority of a licence granted by a veterinary inspector.
At Livetec, we also know how far these restrictions extend, following our years of experience tackling notifiable disease. Going as far as children attending school, or elderly parents living on-farm who need carers and, with licences taking up to five days to obtain, these considerations must be taken into account.
ASF: the importance of biosecurity
Next on the AHDB stage was our Technical Director, Julian Sparrey. With many years experience developing disease contingency planning for poultry, Julian’s expertise is crucial in understanding how lessons learned from notifiable diseases, such as bird flu, can be translated to protect the pig industry.
Movement during an outbreak
Julian explained the need for rethinking everyday practices if the farm is impacted by an outbreak. He then explained how these should be translated for farms in protection zones. Highlighting that “Within the legislation, any vehicle coming into contact with pigs must be cleaned and disinfected.”
Julian also explained the logistics of essential vehicle and equipment movements, and the legal requirement for strict biosecurity across sites. Such restrictions apply to all outdoor rearing units, worker houses, farmer’s houses and indoor pig housing, even extending as far as other linked businesses.
Preparing for ASF now
Katie Jarvis from the NPA then emphasised the need to make sure farmers and staff are aware of ASF symptoms. In addition, they should make all practical preparations such as keeping vet and APHA phone numbers easily accessible and knowing who to call first.
There will also be a requirement for detailed records of animal numbers, their housing arrangements and on/off-farm movements of visitors and staff for the last 21 days. Katie emphasised how much more straightforward this process is when completed digitally.
The clear message from Katie – as with all the speakers – was the importance of strong biosecurity. This acts as the primary measure to prevent ASF entering a farm, protecting livestock and livelihoods. Also discussed was how vital it is to have a contingency plan in place. For all, knowing how a business will manage if it is in a disease control zone for 30 days or more is a key part of future-proofing.
Audience questions on ASF
To close the presentation, the panel were asked questions. Julian was asked about how contingency planning has helped poultry producers be prepared for avian influenza.
In reply, he emphasised that planning ahead is imperative. Robust biosecurity and contingency planning are the only ways to protect farms from infection and recover if the worst happens.
Outlining the do’s and don’ts of contingency planning, Julian explained the process undertaken by APHA when they enter a farm. He then focussed on how effective contingency planning can speed up and make these visits easier. Utilising a case study from our client, James Baxter – egg producer and BFREPA Chairman – Julian highlighted that when impacted by avian influenza, James’s Contingency Plan from Livetec saved critical time. The initial process with APHA, which typically can take hours, took them less than one. This increased his compensation to over £45,000. “Those people that made a plan ultimately saved some stress and saved some money.”
A plan helps more than just your farm and your finances. Julian stated: “You’re protecting other farms by protecting yourselves. Having that plan in place does help you sleep at night,” he continued.
Julian stressed that these lessons are applicable to the pig industry. “Good biosecurity does work for ASF”, but it needs to be maintained 24/7 365 days a year.
As the world leaders in biosecurity and contingency planning, Livetec are the go-to partners to help achieve that.
Find out more about how Livetec can help protect against African swine fever and other diseases here.
