"Pig Brother" hopefuls lined up

LONDON, England -- The UK's foot-and-mouth outbreak has inspired an all-swine version of the hugely popular "Big Brother" TV shows to raise case for stricken farmers.

Creator Richard Counsell said five pigs will compete next month for the hearts of online viewers of "Pig Brother."

Internet users will be able to phone in to vote a pig off the programme, with a portion of the call charge to be donated to the charity fund Supporting Farmers in Crisis.

The pigs have been named after prominent British politicians.

Three cameras -- Sty Cam, Trough Cam and Pond Cam -- will record their every move as they spend up to four weeks in the purpose-built play pen, said Counsell, who runs Somerset Organics, an organic farming business.

"Each pig is a specific rare breed which are incredibly easy to identify. The names are just a bit of fun to amuse the farmers," Counsell said.

Blair Pig, a Gloucester Old Spot named after UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, is the current favourite to triumph, said Counsell.

The foot-and-mouth outbreak began in the UK in February, and about 3.7 million pigs, sheep and cattle have since been slaughtered in a bid to halt its spread.