Poultry News

His Majesty King Charles III is today (Thursday 9th March) paying a visit to the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) in Weybridge to offer his congratulations to scientists and staff for their role in fighting the UK’s biggest avian flu outbreak to date.

Following a long period of recession, the figures are finally looking up for British free range egg producers, according to ADAS costings for March 2023, presented at this year’s BFREPA Roadshows. Farmers Guide staff writer Henrietta Szathmary attended the meeting in Wales on 2nd March to report on the discussion.

Having found a shared ambition for farming when they met on a dating app, Abbie Bryant and Andy Moye are coming to the end of their first year as full-time farmers – and it’s been a challenging introduction to say the least.

Reports of avian flu being detected in foxes and otters in the UK have prompted concerns that the virus could become yet more widespread, and pose a risk to human health.

The 16-week derogation period, allowing eggs to be labelled free range despite the avian flu housing order, comes to an end in East Anglia on 1st February – but labelling has changed across the UK to avoid confusion.

Poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group says a recent review of its UK poultry division found the Llangefni factory in Anglesey is ‘not sustainable’.

Taking place from January to March, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) roadshows will address the ongoing crisis in the sector, discussing priority topics such as contract reform, production cost data, and avian influenza.

Due to an increased risk of worm infection in housed birds, free-range egg producers are being reminded to follow standard worming protocols during the housing order.

Following the introduction of the poultry Housing Order on 7th November, Poultry Health Services clinical director Sara Perez-Palacios, explains how to further reduce the risk of avian influenza in laying and rearing flocks, and ensure that bird health and welfare is optimised during the housing period.

Efra Committee MPs have written to environment secretary Thérèse Coffey calling for ‘urgent action’ to address the immediate and longer term needs of the poultry sector.

New compulsory biosecurity and housing measures are set to come into force in Wales tomorrow (Friday 2nd December) to further protect birds against avian influenza.

MSD Animal Health UK Ltd has developed an innovative vaccine technology to increase the convenience of poultry vaccination on-farm.