Context

Through the success of the proposed Moray Coast pilot programme, this will form the template for a wider national PRRSv elimination/control strategy. Control/elimination of PRRSv will lead to the following national benefits; - Increased sustainability in the Scottish Pig Sector by reducing mortality, increasing born alive and litters per sow per year; - Improve animal health and welfare leading to greater production efficiencies and reduced costs; - Significantly reduce antibiotic use for control of secondary diseases: PRRSv suppresses the immune system of the pig enabling a range of other infections to take hold; - Reduction in abattoir condemnations; - Reduce climate change impact by increasing on-farm efficiencies: Marginal Abatement Cost Curves prepared by the Committee on Climate Change in 2015 identified controlling animal disease as one of the most effective mitigation measures that the agricultural sector can undertake; - Secure new and existing export markets for Scottish pork including China and India: the Export Health Certificates required specifically mention the absence of PRRSv on the source farms; - Increase supply chain confidence, traceability, and provenance within domestic market; - Improvements in biosecurity would help to reduce the risk and susceptibility of other diseases, e.g Enzootic    pneumonia; - Improve the status, reputation, and demand for Scottish pork on a local, national, and international stage; - Bring farmers together to tackle a common issue, increasing collaboration, morale, and decision making. The pig sector is an important rural employer, with 500 people working directly on farms and another 950 working in a associated supporting roles.