Poultry News

A price rise is urgently needed to cover huge increases in the cost of feed, energy, transport, and labour which have been creeping up over the past 12 months and show no sign of abating.

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

The ban comes into force today (8th November) after another case of H5N1 was confirmed in Warwickshire.

Following avian influenza outbreaks in England, Scotland and Wales, it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures.

Dead wild birds found in the area are believed to be the source of the infection.

The risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in wild birds has increased from low to medium.

First outbreak since March 2021 detected at wild bird rescue centre.

After the UK poultry sector was rocked by 26 avian influenza outbreaks between November 2020 and March 2021 – the highest number seen in several years – Farmers Guide looks ahead to the coming risk season and what farmers should do now to prepare.

Food and farming organisations have welcomed the news, but said further long-term solutions will be needed.

The government has made an agreement with CF Fertilisers, to allow it to reopen one of its plants amid soaring gas prices, following concerns over imminent food shortages.

With UK supermarkets pledging to move away from caged eggs, a new 16,000 bird shed will need to be built each week up until 2025 to meet consumer demand, explains Fred Liddell, poultry specialist at Wynnstay. So, there is an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify their business.

The UK has secured market access to Japan for imports of UK poultry meat – opening up new opportunities for UK farmers, producers and exporters in the world’s third-largest economy. The agreement is estimated to be worth up to £13 million per year by the industry.