New requirements for higher biosecurity in pig farming come into force

New requirements for higher biosecurity for pig breeding on private farms, family and industrial farms come into force as of January 17, the Ministry of Agriculture said. The main objective is to bring the risks of penetration and spread of infectious diseases to a minimum. The new requirements have been introduced in view of the complex epizootic situation in the country in 2019 and have been discussed and agreed with the branch organizations.

The number of animals for personal use is specified for private farms. No more than 3 pigs can be raised for meat. It is required that food, water and storage areas should be provided.

Each holding must have a fence and a separate area for breeding animals with a defined area. Farmers should take action for disinfection and limited contact with humans and other animals.

For family and industrial farms, new measures include creating a buffer zone or double / solid fence around sites to prevent contact with wild boars. Depending on the technological decision of the owner, a possibility is introduced for each technological group to have a separate biosecurity within one breeding establishment.

In order to limit contact with rodents, other pests and insects it is required to cover feed storage sites, as well as to secure openings, doors and windows. As a further measure, a filter is required at the entrance of each building to minimize the risk of disease spreading from persons in contact with pigs.

Additional washing and disinfection of the vehicles is envisaged at a place other than a separate one at the entrance.

The documentation requires the preparation and availability of a programme for cleaning, disinfection, disinsection and disinfestation. Each site must have an individual biosecurity plan as well as an emergency response plan in the event of infectious diseases.

In family farms, the maximum number of sows to be raised is up to 10 sows with their offspring, but not more than 200 in total with a designated area for the relevant animal category.

The new requirements in this type of farm are related to the design of a filter for changing the working clothes at the entrance/exit of each building where pigs are raised. It must be equipped with a bath for washing and disinfecting shoes and a hand sanitizer.

In these facilities, it is also required to provide protection of the fodder for feed, as well as to secure openings, doors and windows. Cleaning, washing and disinfection of vehicles are introduced.

This type of farm requires the capacity of the facility or site designated for the collection of the fertilizer mass to comply with the mandatory 40-day period during which it will not be allowed to be removed from the holding.

Requirements for fencing and providing food and water have been introduced for livestock farms, pastures for year-round livestock rearing. They must also have a shelter to provide protection against adverse climatic conditions, as well as a place for conducting veterinary procedures.