“The producer-veterinarian tandem has been decisive in bringing the Spanish pig sector to the world forefront in animal welfare and health.” This was highlighted by the director general of INTERPORC, Alberto Herranz, in the meeting he held with the president of the Veterinary College Organization (OCV), Luis Alberto Calvo.
During the meeting, Herranz stressed the fundamental role of pig farmers, who “in close coordination with veterinarians have firmly assumed the highest standards of responsible production.” Farmers, he pointed out, “are primarily responsible for the care of their animals and their environment, but together with veterinarians they form an essential team, since both have a common interest: ensuring the success of a farm.”
The director general of INTERPORC explained that pig farms require the experience and training of veterinarians to, among other things, ensure compliance with animal welfare and health regulations, as well as to implement innovation and biosecurity measures. In fact, he added, “since the 1980s, when they eradicated the African Swine Fever that devastated our country for more than three decades, they are also a reference in these matters.”
Another example of successful collaboration between both professions is the widespread implementation of the ‘B+ Commitment to Animal Welfare’ seal, which Herranz presented to the director of the OCV. This seal “not only guarantees the highest standards in animal welfare and health, but also reflects the excellence of Spanish farms and reinforces consumer confidence, both nationally and internationally.” He also assured that “the commitment of veterinarians to professional excellence is key for farmers to be able to carry out sustainable and quality production.”
Key work of veterinarians
For his part, the president of the OCV has explained that veterinarians “are always at the side of the farmers, we advise them and carry out the control of the integral system of farm management, the health plan or the animal welfare plan”. In addition, Calvo said, “our work is crucial to fight against a global health problem such as antibiotic resistance and to make an appropriate use of them, which has contributed in an essential way to the reduction of use achieved in animal health”.
Both leaders agreed that this model of collaborative work has made it possible for the Spanish pig sector not only to lead exports at a global level, but also to be an example in animal care and environmental sustainability, which consolidates it as one of the economic engines of Spain.
“The joint effort and dedication of farmers and veterinarians has not only boosted our sector, but also reflects the commitment of Spanish pigs to society, guaranteeing safe, healthy food produced under the highest standards,” Herranz concluded.
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