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.
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:
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.