British Pig and Poultry Fair tackles challenging topics

A wide audience of producers visited this year's British Pig and Poultry Fair, where discussions on new environmental legislation and avian influenza were on the agenda.

Key industry experts including the Environment Agency, NFU and Defra - with Defra Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds - were present, to ensure discussions were topical and relevant to producers.

Debby Reynolds emphasised the need for the industry to be prompt with its information, consistent and transparent.

The panel's message for keeping avian influenza under control was to review and step up biosecurity. The UK does not currently use vaccination as part of its control measures.

One speaker said that producers may need to investment extra funds in their businesses in order to meet the swag of new environmental regulations set to be introduced this year.

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control legislation will primarily affect larger pig and poultry units, where producers will have to apply for a permit to continue farming.

Editor WorldPoultry