Vet practices urged to engage pig clients in ASF contingency workshops
PRESS RELEASE: 19 June 2025
Vet practices urged to engage pig clients in ASF contingency workshops
Veterinary practices across the UK are being urged to take the lead on African Swine Fever (ASF) preparedness, by signing up their pig producer clients to a new series of levy-funded contingency planning workshops.
Organised by AHDB in partnership with Livetec Systems and the National Pig Association (NPA), the nationwide series of in-person workshops is open to all producers – from smallholders to large commercial units.
Paul Thompson, clinical director at Garth Vets, led a well-attended first session at Garth Beverly Racecourse, and is calling on fellow practitioners to get involved.
“Bringing together a diverse mix of producers, from small independents to larger farming operations, there’s something for everyone to take away from these workshops,” he says.
He explains the workshops are focused on helping producers to identify clinical signs of ASF, understand routes of spread, and facilitate the co-development of strategic farm-specific disease management and contingency plans.
Mr Thompson adds: “So far, it seems one of the biggest eye-openers for many has been the importance of safeguarding personal property and homes from movement restrictions – highlighting the need for strategic boundary planning on farms to mitigate risks.”
Vets key to pig sector resilience
Miranda Poulson, senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB, says vet involvement is critical to the success of the programme.
“We’re proud to partner with Livetec Systems and the NPA to deliver this hands-on workshop programme, supporting pig producers in becoming better prepared for ASF,” she says.
“Working alongside veterinary practices across England, these face-to-face sessions will help producers collaborate with their vets to develop bespoke, farm-level contingency plans, supporting the industry to be prepared should an outbreak occur in the UK.”
Practices not yet engaged in the programme are encouraged to register their interest or book producer clients onto an existing workshop.
A ‘train-the-trainer’ session is scheduled for the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) autumn meeting to extend reach and facilitate further delivery across England.
To find out more or to express interest in hosting a workshop, contact AHDB or visit: ahdb.org.uk/african-swine-fever
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Issued by: Laura Yates, Pinstone E: laura@pinstone.co.uk T: 07922 303998
Notes to editor:
Founded in 2010, Livetec Systems is a leading livestock protection solutions provider dedicated to supporting UK producers with biosecurity and disease management.
With a wealth of expertise in the team, the company provides practical, effective solutions to reduce disease risk, safeguard productivity, and maintain high animal welfare standards.
Livetec’s comprehensive approach combines consultancy, advanced biosecurity technology, on-farm equipment and a mobile disease-risk tracking app to help farmers protect their stock.
Through close collaboration with academic, veterinary and industry professionals, the company drives innovation to equip farmers with solutions they need to navigate biosecurity threats with ease and contribute to a resilient and secure food system.
LinkedIn: Livetec Systems
Instagram: @livetecsystems_
Facebook: Livetec Systems Ltd
Laura YatesConsultancy Team
| DDI: 01568 313126 |
| E: laura@pinstone.co.uk |