Bird flu warnings - advice to pig producers

The NPA has issued advice to pig producers, following the introduction of new measures across the UK to protect poultry from avian flu infection.

Since early November, highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5N8 has been found in dead wild birds in a number of European countries, including France and the Netherlands.

Prevention zones have been put in place across England, Wales and Scotland, with poultry keepers being asked to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. They have also been urged to be vigilant and maintain high biosecurity standards. 

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said pig farmers, particularly where poultry is kept on the same unit or nearby, could be affected if disease is identified in the UK.

Zoe said: "Pig units will be restricted if there is an AI outbreak near a unit though so we would advise producers to remove hens around a sow unit.

"Indoor producers that may have pig and poultry sheds on the same site need to be aware and put a contingency plan in place in case they are movement restricted. This was an issue for some farmers last time we had AI in the country."