Pig Biosecurity and Welfare: Disease Prevention as Welfare

Overview of pig farm biosecurity and its role in preventing disease welfare problems.

Key Facts

Biosecurity prevents introduction of welfare-compromising diseases onto pig farms
PRRS, PED, and swine dysentery are major biosecurity-prevented welfare threats
Biosecurity protocols include vehicle, personnel, and animal movement controls
Biosecurity gaps are the leading risk factor for exotic disease welfare emergencies
Biosecurity is an investment that aligns welfare, production, and food safety benefits

Welfare Considerations

Pig farm biosecurity is a welfare intervention that prevents introduction of diseases causing significant welfare compromise and mortality. PRRS, PED, and other diseases cause respiratory and enteric welfare emergencies preventable through effective biosecurity. Biosecurity protocols for vehicle cleaning, personnel hygiene, and controlled animal movement protect pig welfare. The welfare, production, and food safety benefits of biosecurity align strongly. High biosecurity standards are both a welfare and business priority.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare schemes that include biosecurity requirements and audit
Advocate for mandatory biosecurity standards in pig welfare legislation
Choose pork from farms with documented biosecurity programmes