Pig Movements Project
The Livestock Partnership has recently secured funding to deliver a project that will improve timeliness and accuracy of pig movement data and look to reduce administrative burdens on both producers and Government.
Following a Request for information issued by the Livestock Partnership in November 2008, the partnership has been looking at potential models and proposals for improving livestock movement reporting processes. After a full assessment, which included consultation with Procurement and Contracts Division, agreement was reached by a panel consisting of both government representatives and industry experts to explore the possibilities of a proposal presented by the British Pig Executive (BPEX). This proposal built upon a successful trial that started in March and was run in partnership between BPEX and the Livestock Partnership. The trial enabled a selection of pig producers to submit combined movement (AML2) and Food Chain Information (FCI) data electronically.
How it works
The producer is able to submit data electronically using 3 different methods depending on their technical capabilities:
- Web Service - For those with web access, movements can be reported online via the BPEX website. Users can enter most of their consignment details the evening before loading, then after loading go back to the website and enter the number of pigs loaded and departure time.
- Digital Pen - For those without internet access data can be written onto digital paper forms and sent to a central hub via mobile phone
- Web Service/Text Messages – Like the web service option, most consignment details can be recorded the evening before loading. This option adds the convenience of allowing number of pigs loaded and departure time to be reported by text message from site.
For all three options, the Food Business Operator (FBO) staff receiving the pigs can access the web service to record necessary consignment information upon arrival.
When the movement record is complete, it is despatched by e-mail to the appropriate Local Authority who manually record details of the movement into Animal Movements Licensing System (AMLS), as they do now.
Benefits
The trial has demonstrated how the electronic capture of movement data has tangible benefits for both industry and government. Processes 1 and 3 are almost paperless. The only paper that is produced is that which accompanies the haulier as the consignment is taken to slaughter, in order to comply with WATO requirements. Producers involved in the trial have seen improvement in the speed they are able to complete their AML2 and FCI requirements. The removal of the duplication involved in recording this information separately is in itself a benefit for the producer. In addition, Local Authorities receive movement details more quickly and issues around illegible data associated with conventional paper forms are mitigated. This has the end benefit of more timely and accurate data making its way onto AMLS.
Coinciding with this, MHS staff at FBOs also receive FCI data more quickly, which enables them to make early decisions on the inspection requirements for a consignment and return more carcass inspection reports automatically to producers. This has the potential return benefit of aiding producer productivity. All parties on the whole support the advancements in movement reporting that the trial has presented and can see the benefits to the way in which they operate.
The Project
The Pig Industry Automation of Movement Reporting Project (Pig Movements Project), launched in September, will now build on the progress made by this trial to ultimately deliver
electronic reporting of 100% of pre-validated pig movements in England and Wales within 2 years into the AMLS.
To date the trial has only covered Farm to Slaughtermovements whereas the overall project will also deliver farm to farm/market movements by August 2011. In addition, and more crucially, the project will remove the need for Local Authorities to manually key pig movements into AMLS. Not only does this have significant cost saving benefits for government, but by increasing timeliness and accuracy of data through automation, there are considerable benefits for Animal Health, especially with regards disease control during an outbreak.
The Livestock Partnership will continue to adhere to its ethos of ‘partnership working’ and continue to engage with its key stakeholders and delivery partners throughout the course of this project. Key Stakeholders include, amongst others, BPEX, Defra, RPA, MHS, WAG, LACORS, NPA, BPA as well as other teams throughout Animal Health.
If you would like any further information on the Pig project please contact either of the following:
Neil Walker (Pig Project Delivery Manager) neil.walker@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
01904 456368
Phil Qua (Communications Manager) phil.qua@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
01904 454445