A new survey has been launched to assess biosecurity practices on UK pig farms amid growing concerns over the spread of transboundary diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF). The questionnaire, issued by Roam Technology, aims to identify areas where the pig farming industry needs additional support and resources.
African Swine Fever Threat
The survey is open to all UK pig producers and takes approximately five minutes to complete. Participants have the chance to win a £100 voucher of their choice. It can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5DLCQLJ
Nigel Bennet, Roam’s biosecurity specialist, emphasized the urgency of the situation given recent disease activity in Europe. “External disease threats such as ASF present one of the biggest risks to the UK pig sector,” he said. “While the UK remains free from ASF, the disease continues to circulate across Europe, with the most recent cases in Spain, highlighting the importance of maintaining the highest possible biosecurity standards.”
The survey will help determine what producers are doing well and where gaps exist in biosecurity measures. This information will be used to provide the industry with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to strengthen farm biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease entering the country.
Recent ASF developments have demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the disease’s spread. In September 2023, the virus jumped over 400km across the Baltic Sea to Sweden from infected areas in Latvia and Poland, highlighting the role of human activity in transmission.
“Events like this demonstrate that the most likely route of transmission is human-mediated,” Bennet added. “A disease incursion into Great Britain could only occur through a breach in biosecurity, and the consequences for the UK pig industry would be significant in terms of both economic and trade impacts.”
The survey follows warnings from the National Pig Association (NPA), which highlighted to MPs last year the volume of illegally imported meat entering the country. The NPA has also raised concerns about insufficient enforcement resources for existing control measures.
Bennet stressed the importance of industry awareness and preparedness. “Strong on-farm biosecurity remains the UK pig sector’s first line of defence. By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, producers can help contribute to a clearer understanding of the industry’s readiness and ultimately help strengthen protection for the entire sector,” he said.
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