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The eMB-Pigs book was developed by the Pig Health and Welfare Council, AHDB Pork and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in partnership with the NI pork and bacon forum in response to growing concerns surrounding antibiotic usage in pork across the UK.
The database is now available for all pig farmers and producers to collect accurate data and ensure that strict targets are being adhered to.
It’s been a legal requirement for all pig producers to keep a medicine book on farm to record all medication administered to livestock. However, this is the first time a system of this type has been developed for the pig industry in the UK.
“We very much welcome the eMB-Pigs book and it demonstrates the forward-thinking nature of our pig producers and the industry’s desire to keep ahead of the curve in terms of market developments,” said chief executive of NI pork and bacon forum Deirdre McIvor . “We believe that by monitoring antibiotic usage in our pigs, we will help to safeguard the outstanding reputation of our industry by demonstrating that set targets are met.”
The forum has also announced the formation of an industry-wide collaborative network, which has been set up to ensure the continued development and improvement of the industry that sustains 400 farming families and 2,000 jobs in Northern Ireland.
Over the next nine months, the network will complete a feasibility study which will identify areas of improvement in the industry.
“The fact that so many members and representatives were not only willing but proactive in coming together to form this network for the benefit of all is testament to the dedication of those in the industry,” McIvor said.
“The pig industry has been coming under continued pressure from poor prices and low market returns and the commitment and support of our pig farmers, producers and processors for both the medicines database and the collaborative network is a bold and positive move at a time of increasing uncertainty.”
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