The University of Aberdeen has launched a Government-funded project aimed at understanding and promoting the best practices in pig health management.
Livestock Projects Manager Jamie Robertson, of the University’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry, said: “We are delighted, after a substantial delay caused by Foot and Mouth, to be working with the UK industry on animal health. There is a fantastic amount of knowledge within both the pig production and research sectors on animal health, but we must learn how to apply that knowledge more effectively.”
The project, which includes a nationwide survey of the frequency of disease symptoms and methods of treatment, has been funded by the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to the sum of £197,000 and will involve 12 months analysis of health practice on sentinel farms across the UK.
“From the research side we have now got the resources to demonstrate the health, welfare and economic benefits of pro-active health management, as opposed to disease treatment,” said Mr Robertson.
“We are now looking to the industry to give us the best response possible so that we can understand better the breadth of their health management.”
The project includes distribution of the results to all pig farmers in the UK and a conference on health management.
The University of Aberdeen’s partner on the project is the Royal Veterinary College, London, responsible for the health questionnaire. Farm visits in Scotland will start this week, with veterinary support from Dr Dave Strachan of the Scottish Agricultural College.
“Low prices and the national and international impact of animal diseases have battered the pig industry in the UK for more than five years,” he said.
“This project represents one of a number of initiatives we have at the University of Aberdeen to work with the pig and livestock sectors to improve health and profitability.”
Further information from Mr Jamie Robertson/Mr Brendan Molloy, Department of Agriculture & Forestry, MacRobert Building, Aberdeen AB24 5UA on (01224) 274158, or the Press Office on (01224) 272014.
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 272014 Fax: 01224 272086
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.