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...to discuss the Defra veterinary recommendation that the current proposal is based upon.

Fred Landeg explained that Defra wanted holding of birth to be able to start tracing from both ends of the production process simultaneously if necessary.

This was despite the fact that holding of birth is not likely to be an issue on a finishing unit with suspect exotic disease, given the time lags involved. Defra acknowledged that there were merits in the batch traceability practised by the industry within pyramid system.

BPEX, NPA and PVS all stressed to Defra that plans to include a blanket imposition of holding of birth tagging for pig movements (except to slaughter) had produced a "seriously negative" response from producers, who were concerned about the health and viability of the industry, particularly in the outdoor sector.

Source: Meat and Livestock Commission - 5th May 2003