The Significant Disease Charter

The Significant Disease Charter

Working with the AHDB Bureau Services team, Lauren Cordingley enlightens us on the importance of being apart of the Significant Disease Charter. Keeping us informed, makes us become more aware.

Protect the national pig herd by joining the Significant Diseases Charter

Disease control relies on collaboration and fast communication among pig keepers and vets, and the Significant Diseases Charter plays an important role in doing so. Charter membership enables fast communication in the event of an outbreak of swine dysentery or porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) to help contain the outbreak and protect the whole pig industry. Both these diseases cause damage to pigs’ intestines, resulting in severe diarrhoea, weight loss and piglet death.

Swine dysentery and PEDv can affect all pigs, so it is important that pig keepers of any size are aware of the symptoms and are members of the charter. Swine dysentery is a particular threat to farms selling pigs for breeding. If these farms become infected, their international and UK trade is devastated. An infected pig farm not only threatens other local farms, but also farms in other regions due to the spread of disease on vehicles and by pig movements e.g. at shows or when pigs are loaned. As a member of the charter, you will receive an email if a case of swine dysentery or PEDv is confirmed in your region. This is to make sure all pig keepers, of both commercial and small-scale enterprises, are informed quickly and accurately of an outbreak in their area so they can be extra vigilant. The disease alert will inform you of the postcode outcode (first four digits) of the outbreak, the county, details about the disease and next steps. Your personal details will not be shared with other charter members or external bodies.

The charter is here to help prevent the spread of disease and to protect the industry. If you aren’t already a member, we encourage you to sign up today. Find out more about the Significant Diseases Charter and sign up HERE or you can email Pig.Health@ahdb.org.uk for more information.