Electronics signal end of pig movement paper chase

Pig producers should take the opportunity to do away with paper movement records as more abattoirs become involved in the BPEX electronic pig movement project (eAML2).

Although eAML2 will not be rolled out on a national scale until summer 2011, the free service is currently being trialled in 14 large assured abattoirs and five small independent abattoirs – with more set to be recruited this month.

Farmers involved in the project are already hailing it as a huge plus for the industry, cutting time needed to fill out movement forms by combining the Animal Movement Licence (AML2) with the Food Chain Information forms (FCI) electronically.

BPEX’s Dorothea Schiemann says once the system has been set up, it will take less than one minute to fill out each movement record and reduce the amount of paper needed down to one.

Ms Sciemann says for farm to slaughter movements, farmers will have to do the following:

• Register online at www.eaml2.org.uk

• Answer the same question as in the AML2 and FCI form online – except the electronic version will include pre populated drop down boxes to speed the process up

• Set up movement records up to three-four weeks in advance or at least one night before movements

• Information is automatically sent to the abattoir just after midnight on the day of the consignment

• When pig numbers loaded changes on the day, the revised number can be send via text message to the computer for automatic amendment

• The ‘Haulier summary’ will be the only piece of information needed to be printed off

• The abattoir electronically records number of pigs received – this is then automatically uploaded onto a central database and a copy sent electronically to the local authority

• Farmers will be able to access their movement records for up to three years.

As a farmer involved in the pilot scheme, Richard Lister, Lister Farms, Boroughbridge, says eAML2 has helped reduce paper work significantly.

“At last, the computer is delivering what it has promised to do for so long and actually saving time, both in filling out forms and during trading standards audits.”

In the long term, the BPEX initiative promises to deliver a much needed national database of pig movements, something which Mr Lister recognises as a huge step for the industry.

“The pig industry needs a movement system which will look after itself and provide a complete picture of where pigs are.

“When foot and mouth broke out in 2001 and 2007, it was apparent DEFRA had a poor handle on where animals where in the country. This system will help the industry deal with any potential national disease outbreaks – a huge plus to the sector.”

Currently, the project covers farm to slaughter movements only, with farm to farm and farm to market/shows to be included when the system is rolled out next year.

Those less computer savvy producers will still be able to use the system when it becomes national by ringing a BPEX or NPA bureau service which will fill out the form on your behalf.

• Read more about the project and find out which abattoirs are involved in your area, by visiting www.eaml2.org.uk