But this is a precaution as proper heat treatment would kill off the virus that causes foot and mouth. Properly treated swill presents no problems. It used to be the traditional method of feeding pigs, which are omnivores, down the centuries but these days feed mixed off farm is more usual. Nevertheless it can be a useful source of nutrients for pigs. The NFU believes that careful consideration needs to be given to any ban.
Pigs are omnivores and the feeding of swill has been practised for centuries.
We need to consider whether better controls or restrictions of ingredients could be used rather than a blanket ban. The carcasses are incinerated or rendered. In some areas they may be buried but sites must be approved to ensure there is no risk of contamination of groundwater supplies. Letting the disease work its way through the farmed livestock population would significantly increase the chances of infecting wildlife creating a vicious circle of re-infection. Vaccination is currently illegal in the UK and we have always adopted a policy of eradication through slaughter.