The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of measures as part of an
animal health plan on 17 organic sow farms in Germany. A weak-point analysis was
performed using a modified critical control point concept for on-farm assessment and
detailed status quo analysis. Optimisation strategies were set up in form of farmcustomized
health plans based on the status quo assessment. Farms were attended
continuously to ensure guidance along the animal health plan implementation.
The results of the status quo analysis confirmed the deficits in animal health management
from previous studies. Results showed that only 10 farms met the demands of
the EC-Regulation with respect to housing conditions. Only 12 farms performed a
comprehensive livestock data acquisition. Quality and intervals of cleaning and disinfection
measures varied considerably between farms. After one year, half of the participating
farms implemented about half of the short term measures recommended as
part of their health plans. Animal health plans have proven to support identifying problem
areas, to set up improvement strategies and to enforce the cooperation between
the involved actors. However, many farms have not been able to meet the basic requirements
necessary for improving animal health status
