40,000 sows now covered under disease charter
The charter was launched in June to encourage producers to share information quickly in the event of an outbreak.
The significant disease charter now covers 40,000 sows across the United Kingdom as part of the overall plan to tackle porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) should it arrive in the country.
The significant disease charter, run by AHDB Pork on behalf of the Pig Health and Welfare Council, is an extension of the swine dysentery charter.
It was launched in June to encourage producers to share information quickly in the event of an outbreak, making control and elimination of the disease easier and faster.
Martin Smith, AHDB Pork's veterinary manager, said: “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.”
The disease charter is tied in with plans to make PEDv a notifiable disease and Defra is currently seeking industry views on the subject.
To make a comment, visit https://defra.dialogue-app.com/controlling-porcine-epidemic-diarrhoea
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
