Technical updates and reminders
What you need to know in your sector
Reminding pig scheme members of ban on zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been used for many years in the pig industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. However, because of potential risks to the environment and in line with regulations set by the European Union (EU), therapeutic use of zinc oxide was banned across the EU in the summer of 2022.
The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate granted an extension in the UK, allowing the industry to use up any product purchased before the end of June 2022.
Implications for Medicinal Use in Pig Health Management
Given that zinc oxide premix has a shelf life of two years, any ZnO bought before the end of June 2022 is now beyond its expiry date. This restriction only applies to zinc oxide prescribed by a vet for use at medicinal levels (2000-3000ppm) not nutritional levels (50-110ppm).
For advice on managing pig health without zinc oxide visit the AHDB website.
Significant Diseases Charter change case definition of swine dysentery.
Following discussion amongst key industry stakeholders, Red Tractor has been advised that the case definition of swine dysentery, which is relevant for reporting cases to the Significant Diseases Charter, has been updated.
“A positive laboratory diagnosis by culture and/or PCR of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in the presence of clinical signs of diarrhoea in the pigs.”
This revision clarifies what constitutes a reportable case of swine dysentery, which should be reported to the Charter. Accurate and timely reporting, along with vigilance for clinical signs and industry collaboration, is crucial for controlling this damaging disease.
All Red Tractor pig units are required to be signed up to the industry Significant Diseases Charter and report any outbreaks of PEDv or swine dysentery. If you see unexplained diarrhoea and wasting, even in the absence of blood or mucus, contact your vet immediately for advice.
If you have any questions or need more information about swine dysentery or the Charter please visit the AHDB website or email pig.health@ahdb.org.uk.
Notice for pig scheme members in Scotland on housing.
Whilst Red Tractor was able to reach an agreement with the UK Food Standards Agency that verification of Controlled Housing Status for Trichinella control could be managed through the Red Tractor scheme, Food Standards Scotland have different requirements.
Changes to Trichinella CHC Self-Declaration Requirements for Scottish Pig Holdings
The Scottish Government closed their Trichinella Controlled Housing Conditions (CHC) self-declaration list at the end of March this year. This means that only pig holdings which are a member of an assurance scheme such as Red Tractor or Quality Meat Scotland can tick the CHC box on ScotEID.
To enable keepers to tick the box, ScotEID need to receive a veterinary declaration.
Therefore, Red Tractor pig units in Scotland must arrange for the unit vet to complete Scottish Government’s Quarterly Veterinary Statement and submit it to help@scoteid.com and wholesomepigs@scottishpigproducers.co.uk
More information can be found here: ScotEID information.
