The charter is run by AHDB Pork on behalf of the Pig Health and Welfare Council and is an extension of the swine dysentery charter.

AHDB Pork veterinary manager Martin Smith said: “The aim of the charter is to share information quickly making the control and elimination of the disease easier and faster.

“It is part of a joined-up approach across industry which has proved extremely effective in Canada.

“Allied to this is a series of standard operating procedures which have all been published on the AHDB Pork website. These tell people across the supply chain what their responsibilities are in the event of an outbreak and also define the lines of communication.”

Martin said: “While 40,000 sows is a good start for the charter, it still only represents 10 per cent of the national herd. I would urge all producers to sign up as the charter is for their benefit.”

To sign up, follow this link http://www.pighub.org.uk/iip/home.eb

It is tied in with plans to make PEDv a notifiable disease and Defra is currently seeking industry views on the subject.

To comment on the Defra dialogue, follow this link https://defra.dialogue-app.com/controlling-porcine-epidemic-diarrhoea