A project to eradicate an incurable pig disease from Scotland is
to get further Scottish Government funding.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is estimated
to cost the UK farming industry an estimated £52
million per year.
PRRS is a contagious viral disease which affects roughly 40% of
pig herds in Scotland. It causes a wide range of symptoms
including increased mortality and severe respiratory problems in
young piglets, and reproductive issues for sows.
In the first year of the PRRS project affected pig farms were
tested and control measures were implemented to prevent spread
and improve biosecurity standards.
An innovative app was created which maps where the disease is
located and educates farmers on how to prevent incursions to
their premises.
The app collects data from farmers to calculate averages for
different types of farms and countries allowing users to
cross-compare with other similar facilities.
Agriculture Minister has confirmed further funding,
committing £309,600 for 2025-26 to allow the project to continue
for another year.
Visiting Ruchlaw Mains pig farm in Stenton Mr Fairlie said:
“PRRS has a devastating impact to individual farmers as well as
our wider pig meat industry and this project will be a real
benefit to the sector.
“The biosecurity improvements made as a result of this project
will also help prevent other pig diseases, such as African Swine
Fever (ASF), which is currently spreading across Europe.
“The farmers here at Ruchlaw Mains have told me how helpful
they've found the app for identifying and improving gaps in
biosecurity.
“We are committed to working closely with those in Scottish
agriculture as well as our counterparts in other nations to
improve animal health and welfare standards, reduce the reliance
on veterinary medicines, and increase productivity through the
introduction of practical solutions.”
The funding will continue to be managed by Wholesome Pigs Ltd – a
not-for-profit company owned by the commercial pig farmers in the
country.
Andy McGowan, Director of Wholesome Pigs (Scotland) Ltd, said:
“Year one focussed upon understanding the current situation with
PPRS in the Scottish herd and assessing the effectiveness of
biosecurity on farms and through the supply chain.
“This new funding will enable us to start the regional control
& elimination efforts, directed by five farmer-led groups
using state-of-the-art disease mapping systems to inform their
decisions.”
Background
Striving for healthier
pigs: tackling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome –
APHA Science Blog
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