National Pig Association THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

Some users of Defra type-approved low-capacity incinerators have been told by their local State Veterinary Service office they will be inspected every three months.

National Pig Association’s advice to producers who find themselves in over-regulated counties is to refer the State Veterinary Service to Defra in London.

“Don’t refuse entry, but do explain there is no legal requirement in the animal by-products regulations for three-monthly checks,“ advised NPA general manager Barney Kay today.

In other areas, far from inspecting incinerators four times a year, the State Veterinary Service has indicated it will be content with a compliance report signed by a 'suitably qualified person'.

In these circumstances, an annual service report – most likely carried out by the incinerator manufacturer - to show the incinerator complies with legal requirements and is working properly will suffice.

“It is not unreasonable for the State Veterinary Service to ask to see paperwork showing an annual service has taken place,“ said Barney Kay.

“On the other hand three-monthly checks are wholly over and above what is required by law and what is fair and equitable – particularly as all these incinerators have been purchased recently, or been modified recently, to comply with animal by-products regulations.“

Pig-keepers should note that whilst a report from a suitably qualified person (such as a manufacturer) will be acceptable to the State Veterinary Service, a report by someone employed on the pig unit will not be acceptable.

Source: the National Pig Association - 4th January 2006