MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Biggleswade farm exports pedigree pigs by air to the Falkland Islands

Guy: “New pigs to re-freshen the gene pool” (Credit: biggleswadetoday.co.uk)

Guy Kiddy who runs Solitaire Farm in Drove Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire has been exporting pigs across the world for years, but never expected he had to prepare to send two to the Falkland Islands for breeding.

“I have sent pigs to destinations as far away as Japan and Taiwan before but I think the Falklands pips them with the 18-hour flight” said the farmer to the local media.

The arrangement has been more difficult than most as few aircraft have permission to fly to and from the islands.

Guy added: “Normally it is just military aircraft that have access to the Falklands and they cannot normally carry livestock. But in this case an oil company will be using one of its planes to carry the large white and Hampshire pigs over”.

“A vet from the Islands will also fly over and return with them, and they will stop at Ascension Island in the South Atlantic to refuel.”

While some animals might find flying difficult, pigs have no such difficulties.

Guy said: “Pigs are quite laid-back so it’s not normally a problem. They will travel in a specially-designed crate and they will be regularly fed with nuts and have access to water.”

The Islands do have pigs of their own but it is hoped that the new arrivals will freshen up the gene pool. Guy added: “They have plenty of their own pigs but after a while inbreeding becomes a problem so they want to introduce new ones.”

Guy first started making arrangements for the pigs to be exported to the Falklands Islands after he was contacted by the British Pig Association. The organisation is the official breed society and it registers the births of all pedigree litters of pigs.