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ThePigSite Newsletter - 10 May 2010

Monday 10th May 2010

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial - EU Pig Industry Contracts

The latest census of pig populations in the main pig-producing countries of the European Union was taken in November-December last year. With one exception, those figures have just been published, and they show a decline in the numbers of both total pigs and breeding animals compared to the same date one year previously. That applies to Germany, Spain, France and Italy, with sharper declines in Romania. Significant increases in pig numbers occurred in Denmark and the Netherlands, and in the UK sow herd.

The numbers of pigs slaughtered in EU countries up to the end of November 2009 increased in Germany and fell in Denmark and the Netherlands – evidence of the movement of pigs across international borders from the two latter countries for processing in Germany. Significant falls were recorded in the numbers of pigs slaughtered in the newer Member States in central Europe compared to the same period in 2008.

Animal welfare has been much in the news in the last week.

In the EU, more frequent inspections and tougher penalties will be needed to enforce the next EU Animal Welfare Action Plan following a resolution adopted by Parliament last week. The current 2006-10 plan has reportedly worked well, in particular the measures taken to reduce antibiotics in animal feed, but there is still room for improvement, say Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

In a significant international move on animal welfare, major non-governmental organisations signed an innovative declaration to set up the Transatlantic Animal Welfare Council (TAWC), which brings together the world's two largest trading blocs – the EU and the USA – ensuring the highest standards of welfare are achieved.

In the US, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it is to begin issuing press releases announcing the outcome of enforcement actions that it has taken in response to violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The 'name and shame' measure is intended to encourage companies to comply with current legislation.

And finally, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has launched an iPhone App that it says puts humane food options in the hands of consumers. The App provides the general public in the US with information on the most animal welfare-friendly products in their local supermarket or restaurant.

Jackie Linden

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 6 new features this week:

EU Pig Populations - April 2010
Figures are now available for the November/December 2009 census of pig numbers for most of the leading pig-producing countries in the European Union, which are analysed by Jackie Linden, editor of ThePigSite.

EU Pig Slaughter Statistics - April 2009
This article provides a summary of the latest statistics relating to pig slaughterings in the European Union, summarised by ThePigSite editor, Jackie Linden. Between January and November 2009, 5.4 per cent fewer pigs were sent for slaughter than in the same period the year before.

Global Challenge of Food Security
Food security is one of the key global challenges today, writes ThePigSite senior editor, Chris Harris.

EU Welfare Legislation on Pigs
Wageningen UR Livestock Research has published a useful review of the animal welfare legislation relating to pigs in the European Union.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Greasy Pig Disease
Because greasy pig disease is unlikely respond to injections of penicillin or beta-lactam antibiotics, alternative approaches such as topical treatments and vaccination need to be explored, according to Dr Bob Friendship and colleagues at the University of Guelph. His work is summarised by Wayne Du of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

Practical Medication Tips - Developing and Utilising a Treatment Plan of Attack
A properly placed and effective medication plan will help maximise performance and profit potential, according to Keith P. Kinsley, DVM, of Swine Health Center in Farwell, Minnesota, writing in Swine News from North Carolina State University.

Aurofac / Aureomycin - Justified, Reliable

Company News

PCVD, Swine Influenza: Experiences Shared at Merial Event
FRANCE - Last month, Merial gathered 170 European swine veterinarians and experts for a two-day Forum to share their experiences about PCVD and swine influenza during scientific sessions but also more informally in a beautiful setting at the MÃ©rieux Foundation in Annecy.

Visit BPEX at Pig and Poultry Fair
UK - BPEX will launch its biggest project yet at the British Pig and Poultry Fair next week â€“ Hall 2 Stand 48.

Alpharma: New Account Manager for Swine
UK, IRELAND & SCANDINAVIA - Alpharma are pleased to announce that James Walton has joined them as Account Manager for the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia covering Swine and Livestock.

Pfizer Announces First Veterinary Scholarships
US - Pfizer Animal Health and American Veterinary Medical Foundation are offering 222 scholarships to help decrease the debt burden of veterinary students.

VIV Europe 2010: the Best of a Turbulent Situation
NETHERLANDS - VIV Europe 2010 was a remarkable success despite air travel disruptions, with more than 10,000 visitors from 96 countries and 85 per cent of exhibitors making it to the event in Utrecht last month.

Global Pig Industry News