Muck Free Truck

Muck Free Truck is an industry-led campaign reinforcing the vital role clean transport plays in protecting Britain’s pig industry from the spread of disease. We’re calling on everyone in the supply chain to take ownership, recognising that one dirty truck puts us all at risk.

Contaminated vehicles play a huge role in spreading disease. Research shows that even if you only transport pigs to slaughter, and stick to all the standstill regulations, you are still at risk of introducing or spreading disease.

The consequences of an outbreak of a disease such as African swine fever (ASF) or swine dysentery are devastating – not just for the farm directly affected, but because of the knock-on effect it has on the entire supply chain. Businesses are disrupted, productivity is lost, animals die and resilience is weakened.

Pig farmers – your role

Turning away a dirty lorry might feel awkward, especially at the end of a long day, but the alternative is far worse.

Don’t hesitate to have those conversations: let hauliers know you will be inspecting vehicles and won’t accept dirty lorries, and keep disinfectant on hand if needed.

A few uncomfortable moments now can prevent catastrophic losses later.

Truck drivers – your role

Ensure lorries are muck free before leaving processing plants/depots and when entering farm premises.

Wear farm boots, new overshoes and clean overalls when unloading.

Always follow the lorry washing standard operating procedure.

Abattoirs and processing plants – your role

As the final destination for many livestock journeys, abattoirs are uniquely positioned to enforce cleanliness protocols and prevent the spread of devastating diseases.

By providing accessible cleaning facilities and clear signage, you can help hauliers adhere to best-practice cleaning and disinfection of their lorries.

Order posters and signs

Helpful resources are available to help share important biosecurity messages, some are available in hard copy, while others you can download from our website.

Weatherproof posters are ideal to display at visitor points and in staff rooms, reminding everyone of the importance of good biosecurity throughout the chain.

Gate and fence signs make it clear to visitors that dirty vehicles will be challenged and turned away, and where they need to wait before entering your unit.

You can order these items and more via our online order form. All items are free of charge.

Wash lorries thoroughly to reduce the spread of disease

Following a strict vehicle biosecurity policy should reduce the risk of disease being spread by lorries and other vehicles. However, it relies on everyone complying with the policy and having access to the right equipment.

Research has shown that contaminated lorries play a huge role in spreading disease. Putting in the additional time at the wash bay could make the difference between spreading a disease and not.

In response to increased outbreaks of swine dysentery and the heightened risk of African swine fever (ASF) reaching the UK, pig producers, processors, markets, hauliers and the wider industry are being reminded that all vehicles must be properly cleaned.

It is worth remembering that diseases such as PRRS and PEDv can also be spread via faeces.

Use this information on biosecurity to help limit the spread of infectious diseases, both within a farm and when travelling between locations.

Reducing the spread of disease will help to maintain the health of your unit, reduce the costs of disease and maintain productivity.

We also encourage everyone to sign up to the Significant Diseases Charter. This plays an important role in sharing information quickly in the event of a pig disease outbreak to help prevent the spread of disease and to protect the industry.