INTERPORC: “The producer-veterinarian tandem has brought the pig sector to the forefront of animal welfare and health worldwide”
During the meeting, Herranz stressed the fundamental role of pig farmers, who “in close coordination with veterinarians have firmly assumed the highest standards of responsible production.” Farmers, he pointed out, "are primarily responsible for the care of their animals and their environment, but together with veterinarians they form an essential team, since both have a common interest: ensuring the success of a farm".
The Director General of INTERPORC explained that pig farms require the experience and training of veterinarians to, among other things, ensure compliance with animal welfare and health regulations, as well as to implement innovation and biosecurity measures. In fact, he added, "since the 1980s, when they eradicated African Swine Fever that ravaged our country for more than three decades, they are also a benchmark in these matters".
Another example of successful collaboration between both professions is the widespread implementation of the 'B+ Commitment to Animal Welfare' seal, which Herranz presented to the director of the OCV. This seal "not only guarantees the highest standards in animal welfare and health, but also reflects the excellence of Spanish farms and reinforces consumer confidence, both nationally and internationally".
He also stated that “the commitment of veterinarians to professional excellence is key for farmers to be able to carry out sustainable and quality production.”
For his part, the president of the OCV has explained that veterinarians “are always at the side of the farmers, we advise them and carry out the control of the integral system of farm management, the health plan or the animal welfare plan”. In addition, Calvo said, “our work is crucial to fight against a global health problem such as antibiotic resistance and to make an appropriate use of them, which has contributed in an essential way to the reduction in use achieved in animal health”.
Both officials agreed that this collaborative working model has made it possible for the Spanish pork sector not only to lead global exports, but also to be an example in animal care and environmental sustainability, which consolidates it as one of the economic drivers of Spain.
"The joint effort and dedication of farmers and veterinarians has not only boosted our sector, but also reflects the commitment of Spanish pigs to society, guaranteeing safe, healthy food produced under the highest standards", Herranz concluded.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs submitted the preliminary settlement, opens new tab, which requir...
The global poultry industry is expected to follow its strong growth momentum in 2024 with another...
On Friday afternoon, it was revealed that foot-and-mouth disease had been detected in a herd near...
