The evening began with the advantages of belonging to the BPHS how it works and what the various causes for condemnation are. Producers were generally very pro the scheme however were less receptive to the duplication of information that the Food Chain Information (FCI) form has caused and that there are frequently IT errors which result in abattoirs demanding paper copies be sent by fax before the pigs can be killed.

The discussion was based around the DVD compiled by BPEX. The visual signs of EP, viral pneumonia, pleuropneumonia, pyaemia, milk spot, hepatic scarring, pericarditis, peritonitis, pleurisy, papular dermatitis and tail biting @ post mortem were depicted on the DVD which are what the MHS see but a producer seldom would. All producers were surprised at the severity of some of these conditions even in what appear to be healthy animals at ante-mortem! The costs due to poorer FCR’s and DLWG along with any medication need to be attributed to the production costs. Pete Bown from the George Vet Group was present to answer questions on prevention, and the correct medicines or vaccines to use and the cost of these.

All producers enjoyed the evening as there understanding of what the abattoir see had increased. It was also easier to do this way in comfort, without any risk to bio-security and without back ground noises.