Pig keepers are saving time and money with the new BPEX electronic pig movement project, known in short as ‘eAML2’. And, for the first time, it means the industry will have a realistic herd register to enable better communication and control in the event of disease outbreak.

The system is being trialled in all assured abattoirs and will go live across the industry in April 2011 for England and Wales. It combines the Animal Movement Licence (AML2) and Food Chain Information (FCI) form – required when pigs are moved from farm to slaughter – and makes the whole process electronic.

Dorothea Schiemann of BPEX said: “The pig keeper fills in details of his consignment online before sending them for slaughter and the abattoir is emailed the information automatically early in the morning before the pigs arrive.

“As before, the abattoir confirms the number of pigs received, but now the information will be submitted online and automatically uploaded to the government database – removing the need for paperwork.” Producers are emailed their Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) carcase reports within 48 hours.

The next stage is to recruit independent abattoirs to join the trial in November. At the moment, the project covers farm to slaughter movements only, with farm to farm, market or show to follow in due course. The system is funded by DEFRA and is free to use - all that is needed is a PC and internet access. It also has the full support of the British Pig Association.

For more information visit www.eaml2.org.uk.