A complete of 160 farms are actually collaborating in a nationwide Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) testing initiative in Scotland, with 76 farms present process detailed biosecurity assessments.
This twin effort, funded by the Scottish Authorities and supported by High quality Meat Scotland (QMS), types a part of the PRRS Management and Elimination of Swine Illness (PCES) venture, managed by Healthful Pigs (Scotland).
The initiative marks a significant step ahead in enhancing herd well being, strengthening illness resilience, and constructing a clearer nationwide image of on-farm biosecurity strengths and dangers, QMS stated. The PRRS work is creating probably the most strong dataset but on illness prevalence and standing, whereas the BioCheck. Pressing audits are providing well timed insights into present practices and areas for enchancment – each indoor and out of doors.
Dr David Strachan, PCES Veterinary Supervisor, stated: “This venture reveals what’s potential when business and Authorities align round shared targets. We now have a stable basis to deal with PRRS strategically, backed by science and formed by farmers and vets on the bottom.”
A brand new herd categorisation system has been launched to mirror each vaccination and an infection standing, permitting for clearer planning and benchmarking at each farm and regional ranges. Alongside this, three regional producer conferences held in March 2025 confirmed sturdy curiosity from pig farmers in creating native boards to information future management methods. These boards, as soon as the PRRS mapping knowledge is absolutely analysed, can be producer-chaired and assist tailor approaches to totally different threat areas.
Subsequent section
Wanting forward, the remaining PRRS testing and BioCheck.ugent audits can be accomplished as a part of the following venture section. Annual vet-led evaluations will then assist monitor progress and embed long-term enhancements. To assist on-farm groups, easy and sensible assets – together with posters – are additionally being developed to advertise consciousness and encourage behaviour change.
Andy McGowan, QMS Board member and Director of Healthful Pigs (Scotland), added: “At a time when threats like African Swine Fever stay simply throughout the water, these particular person farm assessments and data-driven insights are important to defending our nationwide herd. It’s about giving farmers and vets the instruments to have targeted conversations and take significant motion.”
Early findings present that Scottish farms evaluate effectively to European counterparts, though widespread threat areas have been recognized that mirror traits seen internationally. The PCES workforce can also be exploring a possible voluntary zoning scheme for PRRS, with the intention of defending high-health areas and driving coordinated enchancment the place threat is increased.
Dr Strachan added: “We’re already seeing the advantages of this collaboration – sensible vet-led work, Authorities backing and robust QMS coordination. Collectively, we’re setting Scotland’s pig sector on a transparent path to stronger illness management, higher biosecurity and future business progress.”
