Scottish pig producers are invited to find out more about how to protect their herds from African Swine Fever (ASF) at a series of free events next month. 
The workshops, organised by Scottish Pigs in conjunction with livestock disease specialists Livetec Systems, are taking place across the country from 9 to 18 March.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the events are designed to give farmers advice on preventing ASF from entering their herds and how to prepare their businesses to swiftly deal with an outbreak should it occur.
Scottish Pigs director, Andy McGowan, says recent outbreaks of ASF in Spain – along with an increase in pork imports from the country – have increased the risk of the disease entering the UK.
“The situation in Spain, along with the imports, increases the risk of infected meat coming into the UK and it’s increasingly becoming the case that our producers need to get prepared for when the disease appears in this country, rather than if it appears,” adds Mr McGowan.
“ASF would be devastating to a farmer; as well as having to cull the entire herd and then clean and disinfect the unit, they wouldn’t be allowed to repopulate the farm for six months.”
He says a key concern is the risk of disease spread from feral pigs – which are on the rise in Scotland.
“Although ASF poses no risk to human health, we’re concerned these feral pigs will come into contact with infected meat from the EU and then spread it to commercial farms here in the UK,” adds Mr McGowan.
“We envisage these workshops will help farmers get as prepared as they can be to deal with ASF and should the worst happen, hopefully the disease will stay on as few units as possible and not spread across the country.”
Livetec biosecurity adviser, Amy Davies, says next month’s events follow the success of similar events held south of the border in conjunction with AHDB and the National Pig Association.
She says: “ASF remains one of the most significant threats facing the pig sector, and these events aim to help Scottish producers feel informed, confident and prepared to reduce the risk of an outbreak on their farms – and best deal with one if it does happen.
“Even if a farmer’s herd isn’t directly infected, being in an ASF restriction zone could result in a minimum of 40 days without pig movements. This is why it’s important to understand what ASF on your farm, or nearby, would mean in practice and why it’s worthwhile having robust contingency plans in place.”
The events take place on the following dates:
- Monday 9 March – 10am – 2.30pm at Thainstone Mart, Inverurie
- Wednesday 11 March – 10am – 2.30pm at Red Lion Hotel, Inverurie
- Thursday 12 March – 10am – 2.30pm at Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells
- Wednesday 18 March – 10am – 2.30pm at Laichmoray Hotel, Elgin
Producers can book their place to attend by emailing: accounts@scottishpigs.org.uk.
