Britain preparing to implement new electronic pig movement system

The new electronic pig movement system, Pigs Records, Identification and Movement Orders 2011, becomes compulsory for producers in England and Wales at the beginning of April. To be legal and comply with the new system, all pig movements must be reported by pig producers through the eAML2 system, either by producers setting up the movement themselves online, or by contacting the eAML2 Bureau Service. The current carbon copy AML2 paper form will no longer be a valid form of pig movement reporting beginning on April 1. “Pig keepers do not need to worry if they have not got a computer or Internet access,” said Dorothea Schiemann of the British Pig Executive. “They can contact the Bureau Service by telephone, fax or post and they will set up the online movement on pig keepers’ behalf. There will also be third party providers, such as the British Pig Association or marketing groups. Keepers without a computer will need to keep a printed-out paper copy of the haulier summary for their records. Abattoirs without computer access may also use the [Food Standards Agency] official veterinarian to confirm movements have been completed on their behalf.” The British Pig Executive believes that the service will ensure that the industry knows exactly where all the pigs are more or less instantaneously because the central database will be updated constantly, which will be invaluable in the event of any disease outbreaks. See www.eaml2.org.uk for more information and to register for the service.