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Rare breed of piglets born in UK
Pigs that resemble cartoon character Dumbo bred

A litter of Meishan, also known as Dumbo, piglets has been born in the UK - the first for over 30 years.

The rare piglets are the offspring of one of only three Meishans in the country and, when fully grown, will have very wrinkly faces and long black ears - hence the breed's nickname, Dumbo.

Meishans were imported into the UK from China more than three decades ago for research purposes and the breed has not been seen in the country again until last year.

In 2011, Linda McDonald Brown, public speaker and author of two pig books, was looking for a more unusual breed, not only to appeal to British smallholders and farmers, but also for families to keep as an outdoor pet.

When she and her husband came across the breed during a trip to the Netherlands, they brought two females and an unrelated boar back with them into the UK.

Meishans are known for being easy breeders and for having docile temperaments. In the USA and Canada they are often crossed with both commercial and traditional breeds to increase litter size and add succulence to meat.

The breed is known for having up to 25 piglets in a litter.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.