Pig heath and welfare annual report
The Pig Health and Welfare Council (PHWC) has published its 2013 report into the 20:20 Pig Health and Welfare Strategy.
Key points highlighted in the report include the focus on the responsible use of antimicrobials, knowledge transfer to improve training and stockman skills, horizon scanning to identify threats from emerging diseases and the Pig Health Improvement Project.
The PHWC is a cross-industry alliance, with representative members from each stage of pig production – from "farm to fork". Part of the 2011 strategy, the PHWC aims for a coordinated and integrated approach to improving pig health and welfare.
Farming minister, David Heath, launched the annual report at an industry breakfast held at the House of Commons.
Professor Jim Scudamore, chairman of the PHWC, said: "A great deal has already been achieved but there remains many challenges to be faced in the coming years.
"It is important to develop clear targets and to describe how those targets will be measured… an important activity for the PHWC in 2013."
Click here to download the report.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
