Additional biosecurity during farm assessments and tips for bird welfare during housing orders are part of an offer being given to poultry producers by RSPCA Assured, open to both Assured and non-Assured members this winter as outbreak numbers continue to rise in the UK.
RSPCA Assured says the flexible approach means that in certain circumstances, such as where there’s a compulsory housing order or a farm is within a 10km or 3km avian influenza control zone, there are alternative options members may be able to choose instead of an in-person assessment, such as a desktop or virtual visit.
The announcement comes as a protection zone was set up following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in the Kirriemuir area of Angus, Scotland.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer introduced a mandatory housing order for the region, covering East Yorkshire, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk at the turn of the year following highly pathogenic cases in East Yorkshire and Norfolk.
“Sadly, we’re all facing a new reality of increased avian influenza outbreaks and we know this is very concerning and stressful for our members,” said an RSPCA Assured spokesperson. “So, we’ve been in touch with our poultry members about the additional biosecurity measures we’ll continue to take when carrying out in-person assessments, and the available alternatives, which we hope they’ll find reassuring.”
RSPCA Assured assessors will follow each site’s specific biosecurity procedures alongside its own stringent measures, which include:
RSPCA Assured has also introduced some tips for improving the welfare of flocks during restricted access to the range, which include:
Further information can be found here.