Alberta Pork and AFAC have recently released the Humane Handling of Swine Manual, giving producers, veterinarians and animal welfare law enforcement officials "standards for live animal assessment to ensure proper humane handling of unfit swine, as required by law and animal welfare standards," Humane Handling of Swine Manual.

Paul Hodgman, Assistant General Manager Alberta Pork, says, "All producers in the province have the manual. Their response has been great. We’ve also had requests from across Canada and the US for copies. Both Ontario and Manitoba are taking the guidelines and using them as the basis for their own standards. Producers have always believed in quality care and handling for their animals."

Marketing unfit hogs is unacceptable and it is the responsibility
of anyone owning or handling pigs to ensure this does not occur

The Manual identifies decision-making factors:

• When not to ship an animal;
• When to ship an animal to the nearest appropriate abattoir;
• When to delay shipping.

Conditions that result in carcass condemnation, or are painful and require special handling, are described and illustrated. ‘Producer Actions’ are offered throughout to aid producers in the decision-making process and ensure that timely care is given to animals.

The Manual also covers euthanasia guidelines, federal and provincial animal welfare legislation and definitions. Ken Dean, Alberta SPCA Livestock Inspection Officer says, "I am very impressed by the guidelines. We needed this to have consistent standards amongst all parties involved in the handling of hogs."

To obtain a free copy and barn/clinic poster call: Alberta Pork at (780) 491-3525.