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COMPARTMENTS
A Pig compartment is a physically defined establishment or site surrounded by a physical barrier (fence) where a pig population is contained under a biosecurity management system with a distinct health status with respect to specific diseases for which required surveillance, control and biosecurity measure have been applied.
12 Objectives
- A proper fence with appropriate access control is a necessity, to prevent unwanted animals and /or people gaining access to the pig establishment
- Clear signage is required to indicate that access is restricted
- All personnel and visitors should only access the premises if they have permission and if they follow the correct access procedures as determined by management.
- Rigorous access control requirements for vehicles, goods and pigs that enter the premises should be in place
- All pigs on the farm need to be tattooed in accordance with the Animal Identification Act.
- Internal biosecurity focuses on maintaining animal health
- Human health aspects to reduce risk of zoonotic diseases is included
- Part of internal biosecurity also addresses adequate ablution facilities being available.
- It is a requirement that management implement a proper pest control plan.
There are two important requirements under feeds and feed quality which is that swill feeding is prohibited, and that clean water should be provided.
It is also recommended that water should be tested twice annually to ensure it is free from coliforms especially faecal coliforms.
A location plan (10km radius) showing major roads, other piggeries in the vicinity must accompany the application plus,
A detailed site plan indicating access points, showers, post mortem facilities, mortality disposal pits, handling passages etcetera is required.
There are five focus points under care and management. This section includes the keeping of good clinical records, euthanasia standard operating procedures, emergency slaughter management, needle control and the management of broken needles.
A big component of compartmentalisation is the serological testing that needs to be done bi-annually. The diseases currently included for testing are:
- African Swine fever (ASF)
- Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Disease (PRRS)
- Classical Swine fever (CSF)
- Foot and mouth disease (FMD)
- Aujesky’s Disease (optional)
- Transmissible Gastro-enteritis (PRCV) (optional)
- Swine influenza (optional)
- Swine vesticular disease (optional)
The sample sizes as well as which pigs should be bled are discussed in more detail in the VPN
The sanitary and hygiene requirements focus on the cleaning and disinfecting or the houses, the disposal of medical waste and dead animals as well as the conducting of post-mortems.
The medication and vaccine section focus on how drugs are being stored and issued, the management of injections as well as the management of withdrawal periods.
The design of the effluent system should be in such a way that the pollution of the natural water sources is prevented.
The transport section of the VPN focus on the requirements for the loading ramps, the requirements for the transportation vehicles and the hygiene management of the vehicles.
Accreditation Procedure
- Application must be done in writing to the Provincial Veterinary Authority
- Documents required with application include:
- Application form (Annex A)
- Site (location) plan (Annex B)
- Detailed (site) plan of the unit (Annex C)
- Inspection Report (Annex B)
- Official veterinarian and owner will establish a suitable date for the inspection
- The basis of approval will be the requirements as describe the official VPN (VPN/39/2011-01)
- The official veterinarians’ responsibilities are also described in depth in the VPN
- All compartments need to have a private veterinary consultant who visits the unit on a regular basis. The private veterinarian undertakes to monitor the compartment between annual audits done by the state vet.
- Registration is only valid for one year
- For re-registration an inspection of the site will be required again along with copies of annex A and Annex B
- It is important to arrange re-inspection at least 3 months before the expiry of the current registration
- All approved compartments will be listed in an official “List of Approved Veterinary Facilities” that will be made available on request to interested parties
- After registration or re-registration the National Director of animal Health will issue a new certificate that will be valid for a maximum of 12 months
- De-registration will occur if the application for re-registration does not reach the office of the National Director of Animal Health before the expiry date of the application
- The approval of the facility can also be withdrawn at any time without warning if any shortcoming are detected according to the discretion of the National Director of Animal Health.