Security has become a worry for Irish pig farmers after dozens of animal rights activists invaded a farm in Westmeath over the weekend.
One pig farmer, who asked not to be named for fear of being targeted, said that it is a real disease threat to farms.
"The big thing, I feel, is that these people were in a factory a few days before that protest, then they went into a farm.
"Our concern would be the disease, especially African swine fever. Disease closes premises," the farmer said.
Intruders
He went on to say that while he has gates, he is not convinced that they would stop intruders.
"It’s up to the farmer themselves to keep them out. It’s a huge threat.
"People spend a lot of money on re-stocking farms and keeping disease at controllable levels. If you have people going from unit to unit, disease control is a massive issue.
"We have biosecurity in at the moment, showers and all those facilities in place.
"Security for people breaking into your premises is a different thing now. We will have to review our security."
The IFA has issued guidelines to assist pig farmers and farm staff in such a crisis event on farm.
It advises that pig farmers do three key things if such an event happens on their farm:
Call the local gardaí immediately and request their presence on site.Call your herd veterinarian and request them on site.Call the local Department of Agriculture district veterinary office (DVO)- you need an official on site.Farmers should also convene a meeting of all farm staff.
Communication among staff and family members is key and everyone must be familiar with the agreed line of actions to be taken, according to the IFA.
It has also issued the following advice to farmers:
Do not engage with protesters in any way.Enforce a no comment policy.No abusive or threatening behaviour to the intruders.Contact your local IFA representative, a pigs committee member or county officer.Take advice and instruction from the gardaí, the Department official and the farm vet.Farmers should also ensure there is adequate signage warning visitors of the biosecurity protocols in place and ensure that all farm staff are aware of the possible threat of a break-in.
Read more
Activists invade Co Westmeath pig farm
IFA calling for response over farm invasions
Security has become a worry for Irish pig farmers after dozens of animal rights activists invaded a farm in Westmeath over the weekend.
One pig farmer, who asked not to be named for fear of being targeted, said that it is a real disease threat to farms.
"The big thing, I feel, is that these people were in a factory a few days before that protest, then they went into a farm.
"Our concern would be the disease, especially African swine fever. Disease closes premises," the farmer said.
Intruders
He went on to say that while he has gates, he is not convinced that they would stop intruders.
"It’s up to the farmer themselves to keep them out. It’s a huge threat.
"People spend a lot of money on re-stocking farms and keeping disease at controllable levels. If you have people going from unit to unit, disease control is a massive issue.
"We have biosecurity in at the moment, showers and all those facilities in place.
"Security for people breaking into your premises is a different thing now. We will have to review our security."
The IFA has issued guidelines to assist pig farmers and farm staff in such a crisis event on farm.
It advises that pig farmers do three key things if such an event happens on their farm:
Call the local gardaí immediately and request their presence on site.Call your herd veterinarian and request them on site.Call the local Department of Agriculture district veterinary office (DVO)- you need an official on site.Farmers should also convene a meeting of all farm staff.
Communication among staff and family members is key and everyone must be familiar with the agreed line of actions to be taken, according to the IFA.
It has also issued the following advice to farmers:
Do not engage with protesters in any way.Enforce a no comment policy.No abusive or threatening behaviour to the intruders.Contact your local IFA representative, a pigs committee member or county officer.Take advice and instruction from the gardaí, the Department official and the farm vet.Farmers should also ensure there is adequate signage warning visitors of the biosecurity protocols in place and ensure that all farm staff are aware of the possible threat of a break-in.
Read more
Activists invade Co Westmeath pig farm
IFA calling for response over farm invasions
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