The abattoir monitoring scheme, being managed by the British Pig Executive (BPEX), is being championed by the newly formed British Pig Health and Welfare Council.

Vets will take samples in abattoirs looking for a range of health problems which can be reported back to producers rapidly and then tackled to improve the overall health of the national herd and so improve competitiveness.

Support from animal health companies has been particularly important to the launch of the scheme, along with money from Defra.

The firms backing the scheme are Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco, Fort Dodge, Intervet, Janssen Animal Health and Pfizer.

BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston said health problems could be costing the industry as much as 350 million a year.

BPEX Strategy Co-ordinator Andrew Knowles who is managing the scheme, said: "This scheme is the crucial foundation on which we can build our herd health and improve our competitiveness.

"Its importance can be judged by the support it is getting from both Government and industry."

Lord Whitty, Defra Minister for Farming and Food said: "The British Pig Executive's abattoir monitoring scheme will lead to more efficient production and better quality pigmeat. This is essential to boost the fortunes of the industry.

"The government wants to see an efficient, profitable and sustainable farming and food sector, that's why we are supporting projects like this one under the Agriculture Development Scheme. I wish BPEX every success with this initiative."

Photos of abattoir assessment are available by contacting the MLC Press Office on 01908 844106.

Source: British Pig Executive - 23rd December 2004