Vet attestations for non-assured pig keepers

New veterinary attestation rule for farmers to be introduced in December.

Pig Keepers who are not members of an Assurance Scheme such as Red Tractor should take steps now to obtain a signed declaration from their vet.

The Statutory Health Attestation is required from the 13 December 2023 to certify exports of POAO (Products of Animal Origin) to the EU.

The EHCs (Export Health Certificates) require that the animals' farm of origin has undergone regular visits by a veterinary surgeon. The veterinary attestation template should be completed and signed by your vet. 

Farmers and vets must keep a copy of this declaration for their records and provide a copy to their livestock auction market or meat processor if asked.

Representatives of the meat processing industry have pointed out that parts of the pig may be exported by third parties even if your abattoir is not directly involved in exports and so all non-assured pig keepers should consider obtaining a certificate before December.

Obtaining a signed veterinary attestation must be done at least once over a 12-month period and can be combined with any other routine veterinary visit, including government supported initiatives such as the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in England.  The purpose is to comply with export requirements to verify the absence of notifiable disease and provide general advice on farm biosecurity.

The Chief Veterinary Office has written to famers explaining this new requirement.