A key element of this work is the SPF system, which is used to declare and monitor the health status of Danish pig herds. Administered by SPF-Sund, the system provides a framework for documenting and managing disease risks between herds. It includes requirements related to health declarations, sampling, transport, and disease monitoring.

At the core of the SPF system is a risk-based and uniform approach to infection control where requirements and expectations have been established in common rules, framework regulations and associated guidelines as well as standard procedures. This ensures that infection control is managed systematically and documented across herds and stakeholders.

The transport of live pigs represents a critical point of contact in terms of disease transmission. For this reason, transport regulations form an integral part of the SPF system. The requirements are designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission between herds and between countries through clear rules governing vehicles, cleaning, disinfection and documentation. 

SPF-approved transport

Vehicles transporting SPF-certified pigs must comply with specific requirements in order to operate within the SPF system. These requirements include approved cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as compliance with applicable transport regulations.

Transport activities also form part of the system’s infection risk assessment and documentation procedures. Movements between herds are monitored as part of the overall health management framework, making transport biosecurity an essential component of disease prevention.

DANISH Transport Standard

Alongside the SPF system, the DANISH Transport Standard serves as an industry-wide standard for the transport of live animals. The standard applies to transporters, exporters, collection points, and cleaning and disinfection facilities. Its primary purpose is to ensure consistent procedures for vehicle cleaning, disinfection, and documentation related to animal transport.

Under the standard, cleaning certificates are issued and registered in a central database to document that vehicles have been cleaned and disinfected at approved facilities. Depending on the type of transport and the movement pattern of the vehicle, additional quarantine requirements may apply. The standard also includes requirements for vehicle inspections and procedures for handling non-compliance.

Together with other national and international transport regulations, the DANISH Transport Standard provides a common framework for stakeholders involved in the transport of pigs to and from Danish herds.