Pigs can be imported into Jersey from the UK or Guernsey. You must have a licence issued by the Department of the Environment. An Export Health Certificate will be required.
Importation is subject to a strict set of criteria designed to stop certain animal diseases entering the Island. This can take several months to complete.
Your supplier (exporter)
It is very important that your supplier (the exporter) contacts the local animal health authorities before attempting to export the pigs in order to:
- obtain a copy of the Export of Pigs for Breeding and Production to Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey Health Certificate (6305EHC)
- obtain the Notes for the Guidance of Exporters and the Official Veterinarian (6305NFG) so they know what is required
- be aware Jersey will not accept pigs identified only with a tattoo
The exporter must apply to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) UK for an Export of Pigs for Breeding and Production to Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey Health Certificate (6305EHC).
Exporters must comply with the UK welfare laws relating to the export of animals. Welfare conditions during transport are laid down by Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005. The transporter should contract their own authorities to find out the requirements.
To obtain a copy of the specimen health certificate and guidance you will need to visit Exports: animals and animal by products on the APHA website
Pre-export isolation premises
All animals for export must be held in isolation on the premises of origin, or other suitable premises, for at lease 21 days prior to export.
Exporters should be reminded that before the Official Veteranarian (OV) can approve premises, the following conditions must be met:
- the isolation accommodation must comprise of an airspace separate from any airspace in which any other livestock are present, and be as remote as possible from any other livestock
- the interior of the isolation building must be capable of being thoroughly cleansed and disinfected
- it must be cleansed and disinfected using an approved disinfectant immediately before the animal(s) to be exported are placed there
- no drainage or effluent produced by, or derived from, other livestock may pass through the isolation accommodation
- any person needing to enter the isolation accommodation must first put on overalls and boots reserved exclusively for use in the isolation accommodation
- a footbath containing a Defra approved disinfectant, diluted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, must be located at the entrance. Any person entering must first wash and disinfect their boots using the footbath
Your responsibilities as the importer
You should allow yourself and the Department of the Environment plenty of time to prepare if you wish to import pigs into the Island.
You must contact the States Veterinary Officer (SVO) to arrange a suitable time to certify your isolation premises. If the inspection proves adequate, the SVO will issue a Quarantine Premises Approval Certificate.
An Official Veterinarian (OV) in the UK must inspect the animal(s) and carry out any required tests and enquiries.
You will need to meet the following conditions before the pigs arrive in Jersey:
- you will need to hold an official import licence
- you will need to have an export health certificate (as outlined above)
- as the pigs will have to go into isolation upon arrival, the field / premises will need to be approved beforehand
It is essential that the required documentation and certification are completed correctly. The following are guidance notes and certificates for your information:
Application for an official import licence for pigs
Conditions of import for pigs
Code of practice isolation premises for imported livestock
Once the pigs arrive
You must make sure that:
- your premises / field have been approved by the SVO where the pigs be isolated for a period of not less than three weeks
- you have suitable handling facilities so that the pigs can be hands-on examined and you can give assistance
Isolation premises
The premises will have to be approved by the SVO prior to the importation taking place. The following criteria will be used by the SVO when considering if the premises are suitable:
- be of an adequate size and design for the type and number of animals being imported
- be able to meet the animal welfare needs of the imported animals as stated in the Jersey Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Pigs
- be located a sufficient distance away from other farm animals
- be located (if possible) away from roads, tracks, footpaths and bridle ways
- be capable of having access restricted to essential people only
- be constructed or fenced to ensure the animals cannot escape or stray
Biosecurity measures
Strict biosecurity measures must be put in place at the entrance of the premises / field to enable all clothing, vehicles and equipment used, in the management of the animals, to be thoroughly disinfected.
It is recommended that a separate set of clothing and equipment is maintained at the isolation premises especially if owners / keepers will be in contact with other farm animals.
If possible, adequate supplies of feedstuffs should be placed at the isolation premises to cover the needs of the animals for the entire isolation period.
Example of isolation premises approval certificate for pigs
Moving pigs from isolation premises
The animals cannot be moved from the isolation premises until the SVO confirms the release in writing. If for any eason the pigs have to be moved prior to the end of the isolation period, the SVO must approve the new premises before the animals can be moved.
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