[HappyHippy]

This might only apply to Scotland, not had time to check yet 

We took some pigs in this morning (Large Blacks, for bacon  ) and the lady in the office was telling us that from 1st of June any pigs going for slaughter, who were born outside, will need to be tested for trichonella (I've definitely spelt that wrong - sorry !) Previously it's only ever been sows that were tested at ours.

We always bring pigs in to the shed at farrowing time, so are okay from that point of view, but I know many people farrow outside and just wanted to make you aware of it.

Obviously it doesn't affect us (pig keepers) directly, but it does mean more work and paperwork for the abattoirs....which in turn, might lead to slaughter prices going up 

So, if you farrow your pigs outside, it might be worth checking if you're area will be affected - they very well might not be, I don't want anyone to panic, but I wanted to let you know anyway. It might just be Scotland that this is happening in - but it's a heads up for you all anyway.
Karen x

[hughesy]

There's been no mention of this at the abattoir we use here in North Wales. Sows are tested but everything else goes through. There was something in the press not long ago about meat inspectors actually doing less testing not more?

[oaklandspigs]

No legal changes as far as I know, so hope/suspect it is just your abattoir, but anyone else know different - please let us know !

[nelson]

  Hi - anyone on this forum who lives and keep pigs in France  may find this of interest "Trichine".
http://pigsinfrance.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=109&func=view&id=10243&catid=2


Karen - we have to declare on our movement forms for pigs going to slaughter that they have been raised outside.  We get our wrists slapped if we forget.


We were told by official letter a year ago  that the inspectors at the abbattoirs found evidence that Trinchine was on the increase. No increase on slaughter prices - just reassurance that our meat is inspected.


We haven't had any carcasses or livers confiscated yet 

[Ollies Farm]

I took two pig to slaughter yesterday and the guy I hand the paperwork too suggested I add the words 'Controlled Housing' to the Production System box under the FCI Declaration or else the Inspector would have to test the carcasses (at the time he couldn't remember the name of the thing they where testing for) but reading HH post I am now thinking it was for Trichinella.

The guy implied that the abattoir was trying to avoid carrying out these further tests, I have checked the FSA report for the carcasses and only the routine checks have been carried out.