The reappearance of Bluetongue in the UK, changing rules around egg labelling and chicken vaccinations have made this a busy week in the poultry and biosecurity worlds. Here’s our roundup of what’s been happening.
First bluetongue cases confirmed in Norfolk and Suffolk of the 2024/2025 season
On the 26th August 2024 the first Bluetongue (BTV-3) case of the season was confirmed in a single sheep at a premises near Haddiscoe in South Norfolk. Three more cases were then confirmed on the 28th August 2024 across Norfolk and Suffolk. The existing Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been extended and the animals will be culled to reduce the risk of transmission. This comes after a significant increase in cases in Northern Europe, and with the current warm weather the risk of the virus carried by midges blown across the channel creates a high risk for UK livestock farmers. The government has called for vigilance from livestock keepers and reminds those in the high risk areas of Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and East Suffolk that free Bluetongue testing is available.
France starts a new bird flu vaccination round
On the 1st October the French government will start a second round of vaccinations of poultry after buying over 67 million additional vaccines. This follows on from the 50 million vaccinations administered over the last few months. The vaccines have been brought from two suppliers, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal and Ceva Santé Animale with the government covering 70% of the cost.
The UK Government changes egg labelling rules in a bird flu outbreak
On Tuesday 27th August the government lifted labelling restrictions for egg producers and packers during avian influenza outbreaks. Under current regulations, free-range eggs can only retain their ‘free-range’ label for 16 weeks after birds are subject to a housing order due to disease outbreaks. Following this period, they must be labelled as barn eggs. The government believes these changes will reduce bureaucracy and costs for British producers, strengthen the supply chain, and maintain consumer trust.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) launches million pound project
The APHA has initiated a £2.3 million project to investigate avian influenza’s behaviour in wild birds and mammals. APHA scientists are set to collaborate with the British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB, University of Edinburgh and NatureScot. The project will collect and analyse samples to understand the virus’s transmission dynamics and potential risks to mammals.
India to cull 20K chickens after 1,000 birds found to be infected with avian influenza H5N1
The eastern Indian state of Odisha has culled over a thousand chickens due to a confirmed case of avian influenza H5N1, it has been reported The outbreak originated in Puri district, near the state capital Bhubaneswar, following the recent death of 1,800 birds at a local poultry farm. The authorities are due to cull an additional 20,000 more birds to slow the spread of the disease.
Jeremy Clarkson opens his pub The Farmer’s Dog
Jeremy Clarkson has opened his much anticipated new pub in Oxfordshire to rave reviews. With a focus on all British-grown produce including chicken and pork, it’s sure to be a winner with the dining public. The pub serves his own Hawkstone beers and ciders from his Diddly Squat Farm and non-alcoholic drinks, including tea, made from local fruit.
