Pigs - Species information
A good stockman recognises when pigs are likely to get sick and take steps to avoid this happening. However, on a busy unit where workloads are constantly changing it is easy for planning to prevent disease to be overlooked. Farm Health Planning is, therefore, all about being more systematic in identifying, evaluating and controlling the challenges to pig health.
Regular reviews of the plan should drive a cycle of continuous improvement in health status on the farm and of its productivity.
Defra is working in partnership with industry to promote proactive farm health planning. A pilot project is underway to design, test and implement a web-based Pig Herd Health Plan in the commercial sector and a series of workshops on Farm Health Planning for small-scale and hobby farmers is taking place. If you are interested in attending one of these workshops or would like further information, please visit the British Pig Association website.
Defra has agreed to fund a project under which BPEX, in conjunction with the NPA, will be working with vets over the coming year to create or develop existing self help producer groups. These groups will allow producers to discuss specific health issues with their vet and other like minded producers. For example, a group might decide to focus on one particular disease that is problematic, or take a broader approach to health issues. The subject matter discussed will be decided by the group and vet who will be facilitating the meetings.
Full details of the project and how you can get involved in these Farm Health Planning producer groups are available from the BPEX website.
- Pig herd health plan pilot.
- Developing Farm Health Planning in the small-scale/hobby pig farming sector.
Page last modified:
October 15, 2007
Page published: 17 May 2007