APIQ have introduced a new voluntary verification option (APIQ Option C) for pig producers wanting to demonstrate compliance with the ‘Voluntary Enhanced Biosecurity Standards for African swine fever’ (VEBS-ASF). These were endorsed by Animal Health Committee on 8 August 2022.

VEBS-ASF gives producers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the types of biosecurity measures government may expect to support the movement of live pigs and semen in an ASF response.

The Standards and Performance Indicators in APIQ Option C are above and beyond what is required in core APIQ. There were no changes in this update to core APIQ Standards, or verification options A and B.

The new Standards take effect as of 1 December 2022.

The new Standards Manual Version 5.2 12/2022, supporting guides, resource templates and links to external reference materials can be found in the APIQ resource library “Option C: VEBS-ASF” section from 1 December.

If you have any questions, please contact the APIQ Management team.