If in doubt don't let visitors on your unit - Swine dysentery outbreaks prompt biosecurity warning

Pig producers have been urged to step up their biosecurity levels, including being extra vigilant with visitors, following a spate of swine dysentery outbreaks.

There have been three outbreaks of the outbreaks in three different counties within the north and east regions in the last couple of weeks. These provide a sharp reminder to check that all possible measures are in place to protect your pigs’ health, 'at all times', AHDB said. It has issued some advice:

• Don’t be scared of asking where any visitors to your pig unit have been previously and, if in doubt, don’t let them on – it’s simply not worth the risk
• All units should avoid unnecessary visitors and vehicles
• Also, don’t be afraid to ask your regular suppliers to take extra biosecurity measures
• Consider your actions and their potential effect on others in the region
• Make sure all farm equipment stays on farm, including overalls and boots
• Vehicles need to be properly cleaned, including paying special attention to wheel arches
• Respect each other’s requests for downtime/a pig-free period

AHDB urged any producers that haven't yet done so to sign up to the Significant Diseases Charter.

"Swine dysentery cases have been confirmed in both the north and the east and, if you’re a member of the industry’s Significant Diseases Charter, you will already have been notified if they are close to your unit.

"The charter is free to join and can be done quickly and simply via your usual Pig Hub account that you use for movements."