Thompson’s tip: Don’t ZAP salmonella control

With changes to the ZAP salmonella scheme having been recently instigated, there is now a requirement for all finishing pig farms to have a Salmonella Control Plan. This has to be drawn up in conjunction with the unit's vet and audited as part of the Farm Assurance scheme.

While it may no longer appear as urgent for producers to reduce their salmonella scores, they should remember that the principles of salmonella control apply not only to salmonella but also to all other infectious diseases, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company ACMC.

Salmonella score can still be a useful indicator as to the efficiency of cleaning on the farm, since the hygiene measures which help to reduce the salmonella ZAP score also lessen the impact of other economically-important diseases.

 www.acmc.co.uk

For further information contact:

Paul Thompson

Garth Partnership

01262 488323

Martin Looker

BHR Communications

e-mail: mlookerbhr@aol.com

01473 823842

Issued on behalf of ACMC Ltd, Upton House, Beeford, Driffield, East Yorkshire,YO 25 8AF, England

Tel: 01262 488232 Fax: 01262 488192