New direction for ZNCP
From July 2012, the Zoonoses National Control Programme will be stepping up a gear to help farmers identify the best salmonella control methods for their particular farm.
The current meat juice testing for salmonella antibodies will be suspended on 1st July 2012 to make way for an on-farm salmonella risk assessment tool which will help identify the most effective control methods for each producer's set up.
Katrin Turvey, veterinary programme manager for BPEX, said: “The new tool will provide farmers with clear information regarding the herd’s current salmonella risks. The farmer or veterinarian can use the outcomes of the risk assessment to create a meaningful on farm salmonella control plan, which is a requirement of red tractor assurance."
These scored risk assessments, along with exploration into bacteriological testing, will increase understanding of the link between primary production and public health.
Katrin added: “We are developing the programme to ensure that all stages of the supply chain are taking effective action to stop the spread of salmonella, re-focusing resources away from routine salmonella sampling.”
Because there are many parallels between the ZNCP and the Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP), the two schemes have now been streamlined under a ‘one health’ umbrella.
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. 
