As a result, the pig industry's ZAP scheme is being overhauled, so that it is better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

The changes include a better database, prompter and more informative feedback, and an improved flow of information to pig-keepers about tackling salmonella.

A number of producers and vets have been asked to road test proposed new ZAP reports, and they are due to report back to BPEX by the middle of this month.

Live pilot work by six key producers and vets will take place in May and it is planned to launch the new scheme - ZAP2 - at the Royal Show in July.

One of the invvovations to be introduced as part of ZAP2 will be a website where producers and vets will have password protected access to their reports.

Improving the ZAP database has involved talks with Genesis and the other United Kingdom assurance schemes.

United Kingdom pigmeat is salmonella-free in the shops, thanks to meticulous attention to detail at abattoirs. As an important added measure the Food Standards Agency part-funds ZAP in a bid to reduce the disease on farms.