WattAgNet: Avian influenza guide for UK poultry, egg producers

Written October 12, 2015
Free download offers advice on contingency planning

A free guide to avian influenza had been published by the UK’s National Farmers Union (NFU) and the British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association (BFREPA).

The publication contains information on the disease, its transmission routes and clinical symptoms. It also explains the risks to public health, movement restriction and what should be done if the disease is confirmed on farm.

Containing information from the country’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the guide offers information to help poultry farmers put together an avian influenza contingency plan.

Among the areas to be considered in any plan are: monitoring protocols, staff training, risks associated with being in a control zone and risks associated with different stages of production.

The NFU notes that there are many variables in terms of the disease and farms, and consequently there is no “one size fits all” solution to an outbreak. However, it continues, while the APHA is always the first port of call, having plans in place will always save time in the event of an outbreak.