News Staff shortage
British drama: mass euthanasia of pigs
The nightmare of many British pig farmers has come true despite repeated warnings. Due to a lack of slaughter staff, stables become overcrowded and farmers see no other solution than euthanizing healthy pigs.
Pig farmers have been warning for a long time about the problem that threatened to arise due to the lack of slaughter capacity, caused by a shortage of personnel. Two factors have resulted in an estimated 15% to 20% reduction in slaughter staff in Great Britain.
Brexit and corona play tricks on the chain
First of all, Brexit has resulted in a set of stricter migration rules for European staff. In addition, a large number of employees have chosen to work not far from home because of the pandemic.
The result is that slaughterhouses will purchase an estimated 25% fewer animals ready for slaughter this autumn than they have promised in contracts. Since raising a pig ready for slaughter is a lengthy process, producers cannot adapt quickly enough to these new circumstances, which means that the supply of live pigs in the stables increases rapidly.
Possibly tens of thousands of piglets per week
In the English media, a number of at least around 15.000 euthanized pigs are mentioned, based on data available from the National Pig Association (NPA). However, it is unlikely that all cases of euthanized animals are known to the NPA. It is therefore possible that a much larger number of pigs is involved. In some cases, livestock farmers would also pre-sort the problem and abort pregnant animals as a precaution.
A survey among members of the NPA shows that 11% of them have already had pigs euthanized. Another 10% fear that this will become necessary within the next two weeks. In most cases, euthanasia opts for piglets near the sow or newly weaned piglets.
Steve Wissink
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.