Vet Attestation Numbers required from 13th December

The new rules on Vet Attestation Numbers (VAN) for pigs come into force on Wednesday 13th December. The new rules apply to pigs going to slaughter unless the abattoir confirms that no part of the pig will be exported by them or by any third party.

A VAN will also be needed for pigs going to market if there is a possibilty that the pigs may be taken direct to slaughter.

Remember the VAN is only requried for the holding from which the pigs leave to the abattoir. It is not required for Farm to Farm moves.

In order to make this process easier we have been working closely with EAML2 so that keepers in England and Wales can enter their VAN on the movement licence. 

In Scotland the process is different. Scot EID have set up a database of holdings with a VAN or a Red Tractor Assurance number so that abattoirs can check the elligibilty of the pigs for export.

What can you do if you dont have a VAN yet?

It has been agreed that there will be an implementation period during which time pigs will not be turned away from abattoirs if they arrive without a VAN but this is only a temporary measure for a limited period of time. 

Find out if your abattoir needs a VAN or not. If they do not export meat and they dont see 5th quarter to other companies then they may not need a VAN. This would probably mean that they incinerate everything that you dont take home. If you abattoir does not need a VAN please contact the BPA on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know the name and CPH so we can build a list of these abattoirs.

If your abattoir does require a VAN - dont put it off - make sure you get one before you go back with pigs again. Remember the implementation preiod is only a temporary measure.

If you have had a vet visit in the last 12 months contact your vet and ask them to issue the VAN retrospectively. This has been agreed with the RCVS and should not incur a significant charge.

If you have a vet coming out for any reason ask them to complete the VAN for you during that visit.

However the best solution if you are in England is to apply for a visit under the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway Annual Review. This is a visit from your vet with some blood testing for endemic disease and advice on biosecurity. At present it is paid for by the government so you get a couple of hours of veterinary advice and your VAN for free. To be elligle for this visit you must have 51 pigs but if you have sows farrowing in January you may be able to meet this threshold.

More information about the pathway can be found here Annual Vet Review is a Win / Win

Scottish producers should visit Scot EID for more information. VAN process for Scottish Producers