The UK pig price is continuing to drop, according to the National Pig Association (NPA), but at a slower pace than the pork market decline taking place in major EU pork-producing countries.

The EU-spec standard pig price was down by a further 1.62p during the week ended October 14 to stand at 220.12p/kg.

This was the second biggest fall of the year – and the standard pig price (SPP) has now lost 5.5p since mid-August, but still currently stands 20p ahead of a year ago, the NPA said.

Following the previous week’s loss of 1.5p, the all pig price (APP), which includes premium pigs, lost another 0.61p to stand at 221.08p/kg during the week ended October 7.

This gap between the two price indexes increased once again, with the SPP now 0.65p ahead of the APP.

Declining UK prices

“One of the biggest drivers in the decline of UK prices is falling EU prices,” the NPA said.

“The EU reference price dropped back by a further 2p during the week ended October 8 to stand at 193.78p/kg, led by falls of 4p in Spain, 3p in Germany and 2p in France.

“The EU reference price is now nearly 22p down on its mid-July high, while the latest drop has increased the gap between the UK and EU reference prices to beyond 25p, compared with a low of just 6p during the week ended July 23. Prices in a number of EU countries, led by Germany, fell back further last week.”

Estimated Great Britain slaughterings remain “well below” year earlier levels, the trade association for UK pig farmers said.

“The figure for the week ended October 14 was down by more than 1,000 on the week, at 160,300, 27,500 down on the same week in 2022,” it said.

“The figure quote last week for the week ended October 7, 169,000 has been significantly revised downwards to 161,600, also 27,000 down year-on-year, while all the figures quoted for a number of weeks prior to that have also been notably reduced.

“Having topped 90kg for the first the time last week, average carcase weights in the SPP sample moved up by a further 0.27kg to 90.58kg, having spent the entirety of 2023 until early October averaging 88-89kg. The latest figure was 0.3kg down on a year ago.”

London feed wheat was quoted by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) on Wednesday at around £190/t for November, up by £8 on a week ago, and £195/t for January, £7 up on last week.

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Five dairy and five pork UK exporters are set to join the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) at the Food and Hospitality China (FHC) event next month.

The event, which is Asia’s leading food and beverage show, will run from November 8-10, 2023, at the New International Expo Centre in Shanghai.

AHDB’s dairy export team will be in the British pavilion on a collaborative stand with the five UK dairy exporters.

The pork exporters will join the AHDB export team in the meat hall on the AHDB-hosted British meat pavilion.

The board said the event will provide a platform for pork exporters to meet existing customers and potential new ones from the key Chinese market.

AHDB senior exports manager, Lucy Randolph, said: “FHC will be the first time the AHDB dairy export team has been back to China in person post-pandemic and we are excited to be taking part with our exporters.

“China and other markets in the wider Asia region present significant opportunities for dairy exports. Consumers in China have a high regard for food safety and quality and the UK is well-placed to satisfy that demand.

“Our strong presence at the show will help play an important role in developing further export opportunities for the companies joining us.”

AHDB’s head of international trade development, Jonathan Eckley, said: “We are delighted to be back at FHC China.

“Despite current challenges on the global pig meat market, China remains a key market for the UK pig meat sector with carcase balance playing an ever more significant role.

“This was reflected in a 16% increase in volume of fifth quarter exports in the first half of 2023.”

Eckley said Food and Hospitality China will provide AHDB and its exporters with the platform to build on existing commercial relationships and develop new ones in the “important market” for the pig meat sector.

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Staffordshire Police has appealed for information regarding the theft of nine pigs from a farm in Lichfield in two separate incidents.

In the first incident, which occurred on October 3, the force said three pigs were stolen from the farm on Tamworth Road, Lichfield.

The second incident involved the theft of six more pigs, which occurred between 6:00p.m on October 9 and 6:30a.m on October 10 at the same farm.

During this incident, another six pigs were left injured at the farm.

Staffordshire Police said it received the reports on October 11 and believe that the suspect or suspects drove up a track to gain access to the farm before leaving the scene with the stolen pigs.

The force said it is currently reviewing CCTV of the area at the time of both thefts.

“If you have any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that could help us with our inquiries, contact us on 101, quoting incident 230 of October 11, or use live chat on our website,” Staffordshire Police said.

Staffordshire animal welfare offences

Three Staffordshire farmers have been convicted for offences relating to animal welfare, cattle identification and movement rules.

51-year-old Charles Gibson and 44-year-old Alison Bailey, both of Leonards Farm, Hot Lane, Biddulph Moor, pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences at Cannock Magistrates Court in April this year and were sentenced on Tuesday (October 17).

Wheelton Farms Ltd, represented by its director Martin Wheelton from Millend Farm, Harbour Lane, Macclesfield, pleaded guilty to cattle identification and movement offences.

The farmers were prosecuted by Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards animal health team.

At the sentencing at Telford Magistrates’ Court, Gibson was given a 20-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work. 

Gibson was also ordered to pay fines of £4,000, a victim surcharge of £128, and given a lifetime ban from keeping all animals.

Bailey was given a community order with 80 hours unpaid work, ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a victim surcharge of £90. She was also given a lifetime ban from keeping all animals. 

Wheelton Farms Ltd received fines totalling £32,000 and ordered to pay £7,500 in costs.

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Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the Pirbright Institute (an animal disease research Centre in Surry) were able to restrict – though not completely block – the virus from infecting chickens by altering a small section of their DNA.

The birds showed no signs that the change in their DNA had any impact on their health or well-being.

The University of Edinburgh said that the findings – published this week – are “an encouraging step forward”. However, the researchers emphasised that further gene edits would be needed to produce a chicken population which cannot be infected by bird flu.

The scientists bred the chickens using gene-editing techniques to alter the section of DNA responsible for producing the protein ANP32A. During an infection, flu viruses use this protein molecule to replicate.

When the gene-edited chickens were exposed to a normal dose of the H9N2-UDL strain of avian influenza, nine out of 10 birds remained uninfected and there was no spread to other chickens.

The research team then exposed the gene-edited birds to an artificially high dose of the virus. When exposed to the higher dose, five out of 10 birds became infected.

However, even in those gene-infected birds that were infected, the amount of virus found in them was lower than the level typically seen during infection in non-gene-edited chickens.

The gene edit also helped to limit further spread of the virus to just one of four non-gene-edited chickens placed in the same incubator, while there was no transmission to other gene-edited chickens.

The virus was able to receive some level of penetration in the infected birds because it found two other proteins to assist in its replication.

For that reason, the ANP32A gene edit, on its own, does not offer enough protection for use in the production of chickens, according to the research team.

The team also carried out tests on lab-grown chicken cells to edit additional sections of DNA that produced ANP32A as well as the other two proteins the virus was using.

When this was done, growth of the virus in laboratory cell cultures was successfully blocked in cells with the three gene edits.

The next step, according to researchers, will be to try to develop chickens with edits to all three genes.

Commenting on the research, the study’s principal investigator, Prof. Mike McGrew from the University of Edinburgh, said: “Bird flu is a great threat to bird populations. Vaccination against the virus poses a number of challenges, with significant practical and cost issues associated with vaccine deployment.

“Gene-editing offers a promising route towards permanent disease resistance, which could be passed down through generations, protecting poultry and reducing the risks to humans and wild birds.

“Our work shows that stopping the spread of avian influenza in chickens will need several simultaneous genetic changes,” Prof. McGrew added.

Prof. Wendy Barclay, from Imperial College London, commented: “Although we haven’t yet got the perfect combination of gene edits to take this approach into the field, the results have told us a lot about how influenza virus functions inside the infected cell and how to slow its replication.”

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The National Pig Association (NPA) has today (Friday, October 13) called for the UK government to implement a number of steps to prevent and prepare for an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

The trade association for UK pig farmers said the sector is concerned by the “constant delays in implementing proper border checks” on EU meat imports.

The NPA also said it is concerned at a lack of preparedness in the event that ASF does reach the UK pig herd.

In a briefing to MPs, the NPA said it has called for:

• No further delays on checks for goods entering the UK from the EU;
• Improved and increased border controls for meat imports (sniffer dogs etc. at ports/airports/Eurotunnel and postal hubs);
• Better communications, including messaging at points of entry, to emphasise the risks of bringing in meat products;
• A review of APHA resource and available expertise to ensure it has the capability to respond quickly and effectively to notifiable disease outbreaks;
• A plan for regionalisation with trading partners to ensure that unaffected parts of the UK could still export pork in the event of an outbreak.

“ASF continues to spread in Europe with the last few months seeing the arrival of the virus for the first time in Sweden and cases in domestic pigs for the first time in Northern Italy, while various countries in the Balkans have been battling major outbreaks,” the NPA said.

“The British pig sector’s concerns have been exacerbated by the constant delays in implementing proper border checks on EU meat imports, the latest of which has put the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) back from October until well into next year. 

“In a response to a letter from NPA chairman Rob Mutimer, Farming Minister Mark Spencer gave no intention of introducing new checks in the meantime.”

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A food processing company has been fined £20,000 after a worker’s arm was drawn into machinery and seriously injured.

58-year-old Piotr Zielinski from Nottinghamshire was working for the company, Belwood Foods Limited, when his right arm was drawn into a poultry processing machinery while cleaning it.

The incident, which led to Zielinksi’s skin and muscle being removed in his right arm and his wrist being crushed, took place on November 22, 2019, at Belwood Foods’ site at Lowmoor Business Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Zielinski had been removing debris that was trapped on the hinges of an open access panel door at the base of a hopper machine.

The door had been opened to allow the debris to drain from the auger.

While removing the debris however, the auger was still in operation and caught the worker’s right arm, drawing it into the machine up to the elbow.

‘Easily preventable’

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the access panel door was able to be opened freely whilst the auger was in motion.

There were no controls in place to prevent the panel from being opened while the auger was moving.

It was not locked or interlocked, and there was no safe isolation procedure for this weekly cleaning task.

HSE inspector Lee Greatorex said: “This injury was easily preventable.

“Employers have a responsibility to properly assess the risks from all aspects of their operations, including cleaning and maintenance, and implement effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.

“HSE will not hesitate to take action against companies which do not do all that they should to keep people safe.”

Belwood Foods Limited, of the Henley Building, Newtown Road, Henley-on-Thames,  Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974).

The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £7,839.21 in costs at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on October 9, 2023.

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Nominations to the National Pig Association’s (NPA) Pig Industry Group (PIG) are now open and chair of the association, Rob Mutimer, has said the need for strong pig industry representation has never been greater.

NPA producer and allied industry representatives can now put themselves forward for election in the new year to what has been dubbed a “streamlined” PIG by the NPA.

The deadline for nominations to PIG is January 8, 2024.

The 2024 PIG elections will coincide with the reduction in size of the group from 17 members to 12, with eight producer representatives and four from the NPA’s allied industries.

“NPA will be a more important voice than ever as the industry sets out a new path and as we try and get the best outcome for members from the contractual review legislation, and also ensure we avoid being hit by costly, prohibitive legislation going forward,” Mutimer said.

“The PIG is a brilliant mix of people from the allied industry and producers, and to make sure we move the industry forward, we need the best people to put their heads above the parapet for election.

“PIG does the industry the world of good and the NPA team needs the guidance and insight of those at the sharp end right across the industry.”

If pig producers are unhappy with anything, Mutimer said PIG is a “real opportunity” to make a difference and influence government policy.

The NPA said the pig industry is undergoing a time of change, with a number of longstanding members stepping down.

This, the association said, presents opportunities for new people with fresh ideas to “come forward with their vision” of how the pig industry should look as it recovers and restructures.

PIG members

PIG members are expected to attend four meetings a year, two of which are online, and contribute their views on key policy topics.

They are also expected to sometimes helping the NPA team out in selected policy areas, including sitting on smaller groups.

“It is not onerous and brings real benefits,” Mutimer said.

“Networking is very important, and PIG is a great opportunity to mix with a wide range of forward-thinking influencers from all parts of the sector.”

Mutimer said he will be putting his own name forward for election to PIG, but said he does not intend to continue as NPA chair, after three years in the role.

Producers will be elected to PIG on the basis of the most votes received, rather than on a regional basis.

Efforts will be made to ensure a balance between indoor and outdoor production and independent and corporate producers, the NPA said.

Allied members will be elected via most votes in four categories – buildings/equipment, health, marketing/processing and nutrition.

Producers will only vote for producers, and allied industry for allied industry, with one vote per membership.

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Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, visited free range egg producer St. Ewe Free Range Eggs to open a new grading and packing centre.

The Princess Royal, Anne, visited the site on Wednesday (October 4) to open the purpose-built packing centre, which is a result of the company expanding its processing facilities and upgrading its production infrastructure.

Chief executive of St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, Bex Tonks, said: “We are honoured to have had HRH the Princess Royal officially open our packing centre, and hope that it will demonstrate how our British family business supports other family farms around the UK.

“If it wasn’t for their dedication to farming and the hard work of our whole team, St. Ewe Free Range Eggs wouldn’t be where they are today.

“British farmers play such an important role in nurturing the nation’s food system, as well as delivering a wide range of environmental and rural community benefits which span well beyond the farm gates.”

Tonks said supporting British produce has “never been so important” and that the company feels proud to be part of “this magnificent industry”.

“I speak on behalf of the whole St. Ewe family when I say that it marked a huge moment for us, as we reflect, with huge pride, on our combined achievements over the past 41 years,” she said.

St. Ewe Free Range Eggs

The company’s packing centre spans 50,000 square feet and, along with specialist machinery, has enabled the business to continue to thrive and step change its growth from one million eggs/week to two-to-three million eggs/week at present.

“With the processing capacity of the business having increased more than five-fold, this in turn has generated more employment opportunities within the local community,” the company said.

The Tonks family diversified into poultry in 1982 and founded St. Ewe Free Range Eggs in 2007, when they began packing their own free range eggs for the supermarkets under their own brand.

The Princess Royal, Anne, was invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new grading and packing centre and was presented with a Cornish hamper by the Lucia Tonks – seven-year-old daughter of the chief executive, Bex Tonks.

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Wales’ chief veterinary officer (CVO), Dr Richard Irvine, has said it is “more important than ever” to maintain the very highest levels of biosecurity and to stay vigilant for avian influenza (bird flu).

The Welsh government has warned bird keepers to stay vigilant for bird flu and to maintain strict biosecurity measures throughout autumn and winter.

Bird keepers must keep their flocks safe by following stringent biosecurity measures and adhering to high levels of hygiene, it said.

While bird flu has continued to affect wild birds over the summer, the winter migration period brings a heightened risk to kept birds, the government said.

Irvine said vigilance and strict biosecurity measures provide the best protection against another large outbreak of the highly pathogenic disease.

“Rigorous and scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity measures offer the best protection for kept birds against avian influenza,” he said.

“Whether keepers have a few birds or a thousand, it is vital the very highest standards of biosecurity are maintained at all times.

“Vigilance is also key. It’s important you report any signs or suspicion of avian influenza in your flock immediately.”

The CVO also thanked birdkeepers for their efforts to date in keeping their flocks safe from bird flu.

Advice for Welsh keepers of poultry and captive birds on how to keep their flocks safe is available on the Welsh government’s website.

Bird flu in Wales and the rest of the UK

The latest case of bird flu reported in Wales was in April of this year at a site near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys.

In the United Kingdom, there have been 207 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since October 1, 2022.

Eight of these cases have been confirmed in Wales.

160 of the cases were detected in England, 38 in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.

There have been 294 cases of bird flu in England since the H5N1 outbreak started in October 2021.

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The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on using remote video veterinary inspections in avian influenza (bird flu) disease control zones.

A veterinary inspection is required for the movement of poultry or poultry products from premises in bird flu disease control zones.

At present these take place by a vet visiting a premises to inspect the bird prior to movement. However, in November 2022, a temporary amendment of rules allowed visual veterinary inspections to be conducted remotely using video for movements to slaughter.

This temporary measure expired on April 16, but Defra is now seeking views on making it permanent, under specific circumstances and with appropriate safeguards in place to mitigate the risk of disease spread.

It has opened an informal, online consultation which will run for four weeks, closing on October 31. Individuals and organisations are welcome to respond, however the consultation is directed at veterinarian and veterinary organisations that have a role in inspecting poultry and bodies that may work with the government or industry as part of animal disease e control.

The consultation applies to England only.

Defra said that the ongoing bird flu outbreak had led to “considerable pressures” on private veterinary resources, in part due to the need for these visits.

These checks are necessary in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

Defra said that the trial period of remote video inspections between November 2022 and April 2023 was successful in reducing veterinary pressures, and saved travel time and costs for private vets to and from premises.

Some keepers were in favour of remote video inspections as it reduced the frequency of vet visits to the site from a biosecurity perspective, however others preferred physical vet checks because remote inspection required keeper time to perform the video inspection and was therefore an increased burden on them.

The consultation gives three options: Not changing legislation to allow remote video inspections; allowing these inspections prior to the movement of birds to slaughter only; allowing them in support of licensed movements.

The second option is preferred by Defra.

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The chair of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) is set to share his personal experience with avian influenza (bird flu) at BFREPA Live 2023.

The Scottish egg producer James Baxter, who farms near Stranraer and had 200,000 of his hens culled, aims to highlight the reality of dealing with bird flu.

BFREPA Live 2023 will take place on Wednesday, November 15, at the Telford International Centre.

BFREPA said Baxter’s “honest and open” talk will cover his experience of bird flu – the loss on his entire flock – and how he sees his business recovering, as well as the lessons he learned.

Baxter will speak publicly about the loss of his flock for the first time at BFREPA Live.

He lost almost 200,000 hens to a mandatory bird flu cull following a positive test in January of this year.

BFREPA Live 2023

This year’s BFREPA Live event will see also see a number of other talks and discussions throughout the day, the association said.

These discussions include a panel on bird flu vaccination – hosted by BFREPA chief executive Robert Gooch with Gordon Hickman of the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), Dave Hodson from Rosehill Poultry, and Crowshall’s vet Ian Lowery joining as panellists.

The event will also feature a debate on whether there should be a Great Britain-wide vaccination programme, the pros and cons of having one, and how it might work if it became a reality.

Later in the day there will be series of technical presentations. AD Harvey’s Oliver Harvey will give technical and practical advice on preparing for end of lay, while Premier Nutrition’s Ralph Bishop will be talking about nutritional strategies for extending the laying cycle.

Charles Macleod, of St. David’s vets, will be debating if water is an unavoidable necessity or a vital nutrient for free range flocks.

The day will conclude with a 4:30p.m talk held by Nick Bailey from Joice & Hill, who will be covering the latest in genetics, the latest breeding developments, and the benefits of breeding white hens.

BFREPA events manager, Kate Dickinson, said:

“BFREPA Live’s speakers will offer an insight from all aspects of the free range egg sector, from the producer in the shed, to the officials making decisions on behalf of the whole industry.

“We believe that we’ve struck a great balance between the two, and that those in attendance will learn something valuable to take back to their farms.”

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The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is encouraging poultry producers to get involved with this year’s World Egg Day to help celebrate the “simple egg”.

The theme for this year’s World Egg Day, which takes place on Friday, October 13, is ‘Eggs for a healthy future’.

The NFU said World Egg Day raises the profile of British poultry farming and celebrates and pays tribute to the role of eggs in the human diet.

The union’s poultry board is encouraging involvement to celebrate the nutritional value of eggs as well as their “benefits towards global health and farming”.

“World Egg Day will also be focusing on the versatility of eggs, and the different ways they can be added into diets,” the union said.

Vice chair of the NFU’s poultry board, Phill Crawley, said:

“British poultry meat and eggs provide nutritious, versatile, and affordable sources of protein and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

“UK poultry farmers have worked hard through a multitude of challenges to ensure that they can provide a range of poultry products produced to the highest standards.”

World Egg Day

The NFU said it is hoping to replicate the levels of involvement of the 2022 World Egg Day this year.

“Last year, World Egg Day was promoted globally across social media,” the union said.

“NFU members and the public also got involved with the campaign, sharing the benefits of eating eggs and how they can improve your diet.

“Once again, the NFU will be supporting this year’s World Egg Day on Friday, October 13, where they will be asking members to share their story on how they produce high quality British eggs – and how they enjoy eating them.”

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Applications for the three-day study tour researching innovations in hatching and commercial egg production will be accepted from tomorrow until the deadline of Monday, October 9, 2023.

DAERA is offering broiler breeder and commercial egg farmers the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to learn about and study new technologies for their sectors.

This study tour is part of the Farm Innovation Visits Scheme which is being delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

The group chosen for the trip will leave on the morning of Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and return on the evening of Friday, November 24, 2023. The tour will be led by CAFRE’s poultry advisers.

Study tour

The study tour programme will include a tour of Vencomatic Group’s campus with technical talks; a visit to a broiler breeder farm to view an automated egg handling system; a visit to a laying facility to view a new multi-tier system, with heat exchanger ventilation and intelligent lighting; and a visit to Rondeel, a Dutch Better Life system.

While the tour will include visits to farms there will be no access to birds to mitigate avian influenza (bird flu), DAERA said.

The areas of innovation studied on the tour will include:

• Air-to-air heat exchangers – operation and benefits, including ammonia reduction;
• Automated hatching egg handling technology;
• High welfare commercial egg production system;
• In-ovo sexing and on farm hatching of commercial layers;

Applications

DAERA is inviting applications from one member or employee from each poultry business with at least 5,000 commercial laying hens or broiler breeders.

Applicants must be over 18 years old on the application closing date and not in full-time education.

To increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants must identify a group of farmers to share their findings with upon their return.

Up to twenty places are available (aiming to have 10 commercial egg farmers and 10 broiler breeder farmers).

In the situation of over subscription, preference will be given to those with larger poultry enterprises based on potential impact, the department said.

Broiler breeder and commercial egg producers who are interested in participating in this study tour can find out more details and complete an online application on CAFRE’s website.

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A new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed at a premises in Sheshader, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer has formed the opinion that bird flu exists, or has in the previous 56 days existed, on the premises.

As per protocol a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared, effective from from 5:07pm yesterday (Wednesday, September 27). 

This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.

There are two other areas on the Isle of Lewis where bird flu has been found over the past several weeks, in Lower Barvas on August 22, in Ness on August 25, and at a second premises in Lower Barvas on September 15.

Bird flu was also confirmed on the Shetland Islands on September 15, and on mainland Scotland (Aberdeenshire) on September 10.

Since October 1, last year, there has been a total of 38 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in Scotland, and one case of low pathogenic avian influenza.

There have also been numerous findings of bird flu in wild birds.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB’s) Sate of Nature report has identified Scotland’s globally important seabirds has a big concern.

According to the report the population of these seabirds has declined by nearly half (49%) between 1986 and 2019 – even before “the most recent devastating impacts” of bird flu.

Commenting on the State of Nature report, Paul Walton, head of species and habitats for RSPB Scotland said: “The findings should be a further wake-up call that, despite extraordinary efforts across our society to restore ecosystems, save species and move towards nature-friendly land and sea use, there’s much more we need to do to halt and reverse the declines.”

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has scrapped a proposal to tax meat as part of the government’s new plan to meet net zero.

In a speech this afternoon, the Prime Minister confirmed: “I’m also scrapping the proposal to make you change your diet – and harm British farmers – by taxing meat.”

However, this was never put forward as an official proposal.

This is one of many changes to the government’s approach to meeting net zero announced today (Wednesday, September 20).

Other measures that have been scrapped include taxes to discourage flying; sorting rubbish into several different bins; expensive installation upgrades; and compulsory car sharing.

The government has also extended deadlines to transition to clean energy.

“That means you’ll still be able to buy new petrol and diesel cars and vans until 2035, in line with countries like Germany and France,” Sunak said today.

“It also means we’ll never force anyone to rip out their old boiler for an expensive heat pump, which for a family living in a terraced house in Darlington, could cost up to £10,000.”

Sunak said these reversals are possible because the UK has already “overdelivered” on previous targets to date.

“Given this progress, reaching our targets does not need to come unnecessarily at the expense of people facing higher costs – and that’s why today we can ease the burden on working families,” he said.

“We will continue to meet our international agreements,” the Prime Minister added.

Good for rural homes?

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Mark Tufnell has welcomed the U-turn on mandatory installation upgrades.

“We strongly support efforts to improve the environment, but some of these proposals were simply unachievable and counterproductive,” he said.

“Due to the nature of their construction, many rural properties cannot be suitably upgraded. 

“Forcing many landlords to spend at least £10,000 on works with no guarantee such investment would actually improve carbon emissions risked damaging the supply of rural housing during a cost-of-living crisis – we know many good, responsible landlords have already sold up.

“The proposed 2026 ban on off-grid oil boilers would have affected one million – largely rural – households, targetting the highest-hanging fruit first as it would have come nearly a decade before a similar ban on new gas boilers. While heat pumps are an option for some, they are not feasible or cost-effective for all.”

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A webinar hosted by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will provide advice for red meat businesses on exporting to Canada.

The webinar will take place on October 19, 2023, and will provide an overview of the key points for the businesses to consider, including tips for route to market, compliance and customs clearances.

AHDB said participants will also be given access to information about imports, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, labelling requirements, documentation, and checklists to help ensure they are in the strongest possible position to maximise the export opportunities that Canada presents for UK pork, beef and lamb.

The webinar will feature a presentation from Ontario-based consultancy MCS Associates Inc. which provides advice to companies on regulatory and quality compliance of their products.

Market access manager, Ouafa Doxon, said: “It is imperative for our exporters to continuously meet import requirements to maintain and protect our market access to Canada.

“The aim of our webinar is to equip them with the most up-to-date insight and information to help them achieve their export ambitions in this market.”

Exports to Canada

AHDB said its Prospects for UK agri-food exports: North America report has highlighted that Canada is a net importer of lamb, with low levels of tariff protection for imports. 

The value of beef shipments from the UK to Canada in 2022 were worth £13.1 million – up 77% on the previous year.

The value of sheep meat shipped to Canada increased 160%, up from almost £1.9 million the previous year to almost £5 million, while pork export value remained stable at £7.7 million.

“Our analysis has highlighted that Canada is likely to offer improved opportunities for UK red meat exports over the next decade,” Doxon said.

“In particular it will present further opportunities for premium red meat products that are differentiated from conventional domestic production.”

Levy payers have said they value AHDB’s work on export development and wish to see more of it, she said.

“This webinar forms part of our wider international market development work to help our levy payers benefit from the opportunities the Canadian market presents.

“I would therefore urge any UK red meat exporters with an interest in trading with Canada to register for the webinar.”

Those interested in attending the webinar should register via the AHDB website.

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The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) has asked the UK government to consider the consequences that its “lax approach” to introducing post-Brexit border controls could have in relation to African swine fever (ASF).

The union is issuing a warning about border controls following the discovery of ASF in Sweden for the first time earlier this month.

NFUS pigs committee chair, Jamie Wyllie, said: “Without proper border checks and enforcement, we have little chance of stopping this disease.

“Recent confirmation that it is to further delay border controls on animal and plant products imported from the EU, with the process now expected to start at the end of January 2024 and be completed in October next year, is seriously disappointing and continues to leave pig producers exposed to the introduction of ASF.

“The UK government still insists ASF is a medium risk when reporting disease but without border controls and the disease still spreading in Europe, NFU Scotland believes this should be moved to high.” 

ASF

The NFUS issued a reminder to producers and the public on steps they should be taking to prevent ASF from reaching the UK.

“ASF is a disease that affects only pigs, but were it to arrive in the UK, it would have a devastating impact on our pig herd,” the NFUS said.

Because of this, it said, it is reiterating three messages:

• For the public: Don’t bring pork products into the country for personal consumption or resale;
• For farmers: Revisit your biosecurity measures around visitors and food waste;
• For the UK government: “Protect our Borders”.

Wyllie said the growing threat of ASF on mainland Europe continues to “loom over all pig producers in the UK”.

“The impact and severity on our pig herd, were ASF to reach these shores, cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“At farm level, biosecurity remains our first line of defence and producers need to consider who and what they allow on their farm.

“For the public, we urge them to comply with the requirement that no pork products should be brought into the UK for personal consumption.”

Sweden’s first ASF case

Sweden’s National Veterinary Institute confirmed earlier this month that a case of the highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs was found from a sample of a dead wild boar found southeast of Fagersta – 145km from Stockholm.

The country’s National Veterinary Institute (SVA) said seven wild boars have been found dead in the Fagersta area since August 25, 2023.

SVA said it is currently not clear how the disease came to Sweden, but that it is assumed it has been introduced through human activity and not wild boar.

Lena Hellqvist Björnerot of the Swedish Board of Agriculture said: “The contingency plan we have had for a long time is now being implemented.

“We are also taking note of experiences from other countries that have been in a similar situation.”

SVA said relevant authorities are now working intensively to localise, contain and control the infection.

Results from samples of more dead boar have not been released yet, however, SVA said the carcasses that have been found and sampled are within the core area where the positive cases have already been detected, so there are no carcass findings that “change the picture” of the outbreak.

ASF in Europe

Prior to ASF being recorded in Sweden, according to the International Disease Monitoring report for Europe in August, outbreaks of ASF in domestic pigs have been reported in:

• Serbia (353);
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (326);
• Romania (102);
• Croatia (95);
• Russia (8);
• Italy (4);
• Moldova (4);
• Ukraine (4).
• Latvia (3);
• Poland (2).

Cases of ASF in wild boar have been reported in:

• Latvia (200);
• Poland (106);
• Italy (31);
• Hungary (22);
• Serbia (17);
• Germany (8);
• Czech Republic (7);
• Romania (3);
• Russia (3);
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (3);
• Republic of North Macedonia (2);
• Ukraine (1).

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ASF has become a “major crisis” for the pork industry in recent years and is responsible for massive losses in pig populations and drastic economic consequences.

“Currently affecting several regions around the world, and with no effective vaccine, the disease is not only impeding animal health and welfare but has also detrimental impacts on biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers,” it said.

WOAH said the disease can have a mortality rate of 100%.

The is currently no effective vaccine against ASF. It does not pose a threat to human health, but can be easily spread by humans across country borders.

“The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages or bacon,” WOAH said.

“Therefore, human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not taken.”

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The Monaghan company was presented with the Golden Fork award for Ireland for its confit duck legs, one of the highest accolades in the food and drink world.

The confit duck legs were among the top 16 highest-scoring product list in the whole competition, and were shortlisted for 2023 Great Taste Supreme Champion as a result.

The grand finale of the world’s largest food and drink accreditation scheme based entirely on taste took place at the Battersea Arts Centre in London earlier this week.

Almost 14,200 products from 109 countries were entered in this year’s Great Taste competition, which is dubbed the “Oscars of the food and drink world”.

Only 248 products, including Silver Hill’s confit duck legs, were presented with a three-star rating which signifies “extraordinarily tasty food and drink”.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, judging took place over 89 days in Dorset and London, with a panel of more than 500 judges putting the products to the test.

Silver Hill Duck

The judges described the Silver Hill confit duck legs as “a fabulous looking duck, bronzed and inviting with a little crunch around one side of the skin”.

The product is made by a dedicated cooking team, led by Erika Matule, using a secret recipe at the company’s plant in Emyvale.

Silver Hill Duck’s sales and marketing manager Greg Devlin and the company’s technical and quality manager Gladys Keating accepted the Golden Fork award on behalf of the company.

“Without doubt this is the biggest recognition to date of our unwavering commitment to quality and recognition to all 230 members of the Silver Hill Duck team of the unique and inspiring work they do each and every day,” Devlin said.

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Lidl GB has confirmed that it is offering farmers financial incentives to move into egg farming.

The retailers is offering new and existing farmers an additional investment on top of market rate, supported by long-term contracts as part of a guaranteed pay back deal. Further details have yet to be announced.

It hopes that these long-term contracts will provide its suppliers with security, and in turn confidence, to invest in their futures.

It is also calling on other retailers to follow suit, and find ways to “encourage farmers back into the egg sector”.

“As an industry we need to be doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of the British egg sector, which is why we have taken steps to offer incentives and security for farmers to expand into egg production,” Martin Kottbauer, chief trading officer at Lidl GB commented.

“We would urge other retailers to do the same.”

Lidl GB is also supporting its existing suppliers with additional £40 million investment compared to last year.

These measures follow what Kottbauer acknowledges has been a “particularly challenging” year for the British egg industry, with particular pressure coming from avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks and the cost-of-living crisis.

A government-issued review to help establish fairer supply chains in the egg sector is due to take place this autumn.

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As of July, primary pork (steaks, roasting joints and mince) is no longer the best performing red meat, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

However, the board said that pork is still performing well, as the primary pork market value has grown 10.2% year-on-year to £800 million, according to figures from Kantar.

This is 1.8 percentage points ahead of the year-on-year increase for total grocery over the same period.

This value growth is driven by inflation, AHDB said, as average primary pork prices rose by 15.7% year-on-year to £5.71/kg, but volumes sit 4.7% lower over the same period.

Whilst new shoppers are typically younger, the majority of sales come from older shoppers, so it remains key to mobilise repeat consumers, AHDB said.

Due to the large number of processed pork options, primary pork makes up a small portion of total pork volumes, at 14.9%.

However, it is one of the cheapest proteins, coming in at £1.50/kg cheaper than the average for total primary meat, fish and poultry.

However, AHDB said primary pork’s retail performance slip and its year-on-year volume decline is beginning to outpace beef.

AHDB trainee analyst, Tom Price, said: “This comes as the cost-of-living crisis causes consumers to trade down to cheaper products like mince and sausages, and cheaper proteins like chicken, as well as limiting their meat consumption altogether in an attempt to save money.

“Consumers switching to primary chicken accounted for 26.2% of all primary pork volume losses year-on-year, as chicken is the cheapest protein on the market at £4.81/kg.

“Messaging on how pork can be used in tasty and affordable meals could help to boost sales. These are key points within AHDB’s Mix up Midweek campaign.”

Pork products

Pork’s lower price point compared to other red meats stands it in a good position within the market, AHDB said.

This means that over the coming months, primary pork’s retail volume could continue to decline to a more limited extent when compared to beef and lamb.

As the cost-of-living crisis will continue into the festive period, AHDB said there could be increased demand for pork at Christmas as pork roasting joints are approximately 50% cheaper than that of beef and lamb.

“Retailers looking to boost primary pork sales could also promote the health credentials of pork through highlighting how pork is high in protein, a source of zinc and B vitamins including B12,” Price said.

“This could encourage consumers to purchase pork, especially when combined with messaging around primary pork’s affordability.”

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The highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs was confirmed from a sample of a dead wild boar found southeast of Fagersta – 145km from Stockholm.

The country’s National Veterinary Institute (SVA) said seven wild boars have been found dead in the Fagersta area since August 25, 2023.

Samples from another wild boar are on their way to the veterinary institute for testing, it said.

SVA said it is currently not clear how the disease came to Sweden, but that it is assumed it has been introduced through human activity and not wild boar.

Lena Hellqvist Björnerot of the Swedish Board of Agriculture said: “The contingency plan we have had for a long time is now being implemented.

“We are also taking note of experiences from other countries that have been in a similar situation.”

SVA said relevant authorities are now working intensively to localise, contain and control the infection.

Prevention measures

SVA said one of the first measures introduced to contain the disease is for the responsible authorities to work with the hunters’ organisations to find out how large the affected area is.

This will be done by searching for dead wild boar within the range of where the positive case was found.

All access to this area will be prohibited, as the disease can spread by being carried on shoes, tools and vehicles.

Karl Ståhl of SVA said: “At present, we do not know how the infection was introduced but it is a long-distance jump from the nearest infected area in Europe and we therefore assume that it has been introduced through human activity and not wild boar.

“There is currently an extensive spread of infection in Europe. There are countries that have succeeded in eradicating the disease and that is our national goal.”

African swine fever

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ASF has become a “major crisis” for the pork industry in recent years and is responsible for massive losses in pig populations and drastic economic consequences.

“Currently affecting several regions around the world, and with no effective vaccine, the disease is not only impeding animal health and welfare but has also detrimental impacts on biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers,” it said.

WOAH said the disease can have a mortality rate of 100%.

The is currently no effective vaccine against ASF. It does not pose a threat to human health, but can be easily spread by humans across country borders.

“The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages or bacon,” WOAH said.

“Therefore, human behaviours can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not taken.

“ASF continues to spread worldwide, threatening pig health and welfare. The disease has reached multiple countries across Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, affecting both domestic and wild pigs.”

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With heatwave conditions set in across the UK it is important that farmers keep an eye on their livestock for signs of heat stress.

Heat stress occurs when an animal’s heat load is greater than its capacity to lose heat.

This is seen prominently in heavy cattle, which cannot handle heat stress compared to lighter weight cattle.

Also at a higher risk of heat stress are pregnant animals, animals recovering from illness, pigs and high-producing dairy cows.

The most visible signs in farm animals tend to be elevated breathing rates, however, increased water intake and sweating, along with decreased feed intake, are other symptoms.

To help prevent heat stress occurring, farmers must pay particular attention to water, feed, shade and management.

Consumption of water is the quickest method for animals to reduce their core body temperature.

For detecting signs of heat stress in your dairy herd, further symptoms include decreased milk production and a change in milk composition (milk fat and protein percentages drop).

Farmers should also pay attention to their livestock crowding, breathing heavily, and standing next to a water trough.

On a hot day, cows can drink anywhere up to 110L/day and they can typically drink at a rate of 14L/minute from a trough.

With this in mind, farmers are encouraged to carefully consider trough location, as cattle don’t like to walk more than 250m to get a drink.

Offering feed with a high fibre content can increase the heat of fermentation in the rumen, thus increasing the heat load of livestock.

Cattle should be given preferential access to paddocks with shade from trees and tall hedges during periods of hot weather.

This may mean having to graze more shaded parts of the farm during the day and more open areas during the evening/night.

If moving or handling cattle, farmers should minimise the time cattle are in holding yards and to reduce handling stress.

Where cattle do become affected by heat stress, it’s advisable to isolate the most severely affected animals and provide shade and cooling.

Farmers should avoid handling sheep where possible during hot weather, and where necessary, delay handling or moving sheep until late evening when temperatures cool.

For farmers transporting sheep in trailers, they should ensure there is adequate ventilation and that they are stocked appropriately.

They should check stock regularly during longer journeys and delay movements until late evening/night time where possible.

Farmers with sheepdogs should also be aware that the dogs are susceptible to heat stress, and should delay work until late evening, where possible, provide sufficient rest periods and have access to water.

For outdoor pigs, they will require access to a wallow to cool down, especially if the temperature is above 25°, as these animals are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

For indoor pigs and poultry the temperature in the animal accommodation must be monitored closely and ventilation adjusted accordingly. 

It is also recommended to reduce stocking densities where necessary to increase air space and flow and to reduce the heat generated by the animals themselves.  

It is also important that farmers look after themselves in the hot weather, by staying hydrated and protecting their skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.

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The red meat sector is now worth £2.8 billion to the Scottish economy, up 16% from £2.4 billion from the last time its worth was assessed 2016, according to a new report by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Of this £2.8 billion, 46% was generated on-farm, 32% by meat processing, and the remaining by ‘core’ and ‘other’ supplies.

The Scottish Red Meat Sector Economic Impact Report 2023 adds that red meat output accounts for approximately 36% of national farming output, with on-farm output now up by more than £100 million, from £1.16 billion in 2016, to £1.27 billion now. 

The wider supply chain also generates important revenues with £885 million from meat processing, £361 million from core supply trading (veterinary, machinery, fertiliser, feed and repairs/buildings) and a further £225 million in output from other farm supplies it said.

The report also looked at employment within the red meat chain, which it said currently sustains 39,000 jobs. The majority of these jobs are on farm with 31,200 people, 3,880 in meat processing, 2,000 in the core supplies industry – such as feed and veterinary services – and 2,200 employed in other supplies to the sector.

Red meat sector in Scotland

Sarah Millar, QMS’ chief executive, believes this report is “vital to understanding the red meat supply chain in Scotland’s total as well as its rural economy”.

“Livestock farming is so important to the fabric of our rural economies, supporting both hired and family labour, in full-time and in part-time roles, and in-turn other local businesses in rural and remote places,” she said.

“What’s also important to note is that, when you add in the further processing of red meat into cooked foods and food service, for example, the total employment contribution of the red meat sector is even greater.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon also echoed Millar’s sentiment: “This report highlights the continued importance of the red meat supply chain both to Scotland’s economy as well as our rural communities.

“Improvements in on-farm efficiency as well as work to further build the brand and reputation of our nation’s iconic meats have led to a marked increase in value of the sector.

“This is down to the diligence and hard work of farmers, crofters and all those who work in the wider supply chain.”

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The National Pig Association (NPA) has said the change of rules allowing the term ‘British’ to be included in the We Eat Balanced marketing campaign is “fantastic news for British agriculture”.

The We Eat Balanced campaign, organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), aims to promote consumer awareness and seek “long-term positive attitudes” towards British red meat and dairy.

AHDB had previously been restricted from using “British” as the primary message because of EU State Aid Rules.

However, earlier this year guidance on the new UK rules, as part of the Subsidy Control Act, was published, opening the way for this change.

NPA chair Rob Mutimer said: “It has long been the source of frustration among levy payers that campaigns they fund haven’t been able to push consumers specifically towards ‘British’ products, particularly since we left the EU.

“This changes that and means levy payers will be getting better value for their money. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes within AHDB to achieve this and they deserve a lot of credit.”

We Eat Balanced

AHDB’s We Eat Balanced campaign will return on September 8 and run until October 22.

Future use of “British” and the Union Flag will also be reflected in the board’s Love Pork campaigns, AHDB said, including Feed the Family for Less.

AHDB’s director of marketing, Liam Byrne, said: “We are incredibly proud that we have raised the bar yet again for 2023, with our industry leading We Eat Balanced campaign.  

“By incorporating the ‘British’ message, which we know is important to consumers, our aim is to highlight the exceptional taste and quality of our home-grown meat and dairy, whilst advocating its role in a nutritionally balanced and sustainable diet.  

“We believe that through these efforts we can foster a strong and enduring connection between consumers and our British farmers, who are so passionate about providing quality and sustainable food at every step of its journey, from field to fork.” 

AHDB beef and lamb board member, James Shouler, said: “It is encouraging to see a campaign equipping consumers with facts about a healthy diet that is also sustainably produced.

“The We Eat Balanced campaign is supporting the British farming industry at a time when there is a plethora of imbalanced information about nutrition and food production.”

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The National Pig Association (NPA) is urging those importing live pigs or semen to only source from herds negative for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and unvaccinated for it.

The association is raising awareness of the risks posed by imports in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Pig Veterinary Society, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the Pig Health and Welfare Council and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The NPA said, in order to keep new diseases and new strains of existing diseases like PRRSV out of the UK, there should be “direct vet to vet discussion” between the importer’s vet and the vet for the herd from which pigs or semen are coming from.

This should be done prior to purchases and importations, the association advised.

NPA chief executive, Lizzie Wilson, said: “This helps to avoid many of the disease risks that could otherwise occur and the vet is then in a good position to advise and interpret pre-import test results.

“Negative pre-import test results are vital. If testing is only done post-import and positive results are obtained, the importer is faced with difficult but important decisions such as whether to send back, or cull, pigs that test positive, as well as the associated costs. 

“No one would want to be responsible for placing the national herd at risk by allowing exotic PRRSV strains to be introduced.”

NPA protocol

The NPA’s protocol on pig and semen imports states that they must only be sourced from herds deemed to be free from both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 by routine surveillance and that do not vaccinate against PRRSV.

The association also urges importers to have blood samples from a representative sample of pigs destined for export which were tested 30 days prior to departure.

If any samples are deemed virus positive following testing by PCR, the pigs may not be released for transport to Britain, the NPA said.

As well as this, pigs for importation should test negative for PRRSV antibody and for virus pre-importation.

PRRSV

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a widespread disease affecting domestic pigs.

The symptoms include reproductive failure, pneumonia and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection.

The WOAH said the transmission of PRRS virus is most often due to the movement of infected animals.

“Pigs born to infected dams may not show disease signs but can still be virus shedders,” it said.

“However, the virus is also found in faeces, urine, and semen and can be spread by vehicles or supplies and even insects have been found as a potential source of spread.

“As well there is the possibility of windborne spread. There is evidence that the disease can also spread through artificial insemination when semen is contaminated with the virus.”

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The UK poultry sector will be preparing to face a “similar outbreak” of avian influenza (bird flu) this autumn, following the country’s biggest ever outbreak last year.

This is according to the chief executive of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA), Robert Gooch.

Gooch said the outbreak, which has seen 199 cases of the disease confirmed in the UK since October 1, last year, has reduced confidence in free-range production which he said is “particularly susceptible to bird flu”.

The chief executive added that more support could, and can be given to poultry and egg producers to help them keep their businesses alive during outbreaks of the disease.

“We are arguing for compensation for culled birds to be calculated at confirmation of disease, not at the start of culling or after confirmation,” he said.

In terms of disease prevention, Gooch said producers can only focus on small steps to safeguard their flocks this autumn, as long-term solutions will not be available this year.

“We are looking at vaccination in the long term, but it won’t happen this autumn,” he said.

“All producers can do is maintain the highest level of biosecurity to prevent direct or indirect infection from wild birds.”

A risk ‘for the foreseeable future’

Gooch’s concerns were echoed by the poultry board chair for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), James Mottershead, who said bird flu still remains a “huge risk” to businesses.

“The threat of avian influenza has not gone away, and it would be naïve to think that this horrific disease isn’t going to be a risk to the poultry sector for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“The NFU continues to raise the impacts of avian influenza at the highest level with every stakeholder and our key asks remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Following the lifting of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) last month, Mottershead said it is crucial that farmers do not drop their guard when it comes to prevention measures.

“Poultry farmers have worked incredibly hard to minimise the threat of avian influenza and will continue to do all they can to protect the health and welfare of their birds,” he said.

“It remains incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to maintain stringent biosecurity measures.

“This is crucial whether you are a commercial farmer with thousands of birds or a hobby keeper with one hen in the garden.”

Bird flu in the UK

The UK government announced today (Wednesday, August 23) that gatherings of galliforme poultry and galliforme birds (including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridge, quail and guinea fowl) are now permitted.

However, birdkeepers will need to follow the requirements of the poultry gathering general license and notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at least seven days before the event, the government said.

Gatherings of anseriforme poultry and anseriforme birds including ducks, geese and swans are still not permitted.

These changes only apply to gatherings of galliforme poultry and galliforme birds held in England.

The government said galliforme birds from premises located in Wales and Scotland are not permitted to attend galliforme gatherings in England.

In the UK, there have been 199 confirmed cases of the H5N1 strain of bird flu since October 1, 2022.

158 of these cases have been confirmed in England; 32 in Scotland; eight in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

There have been 292 cases of bird flu in England since the H5N1 outbreak started in October 2021.

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Three new cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed in Scotland.

The disease was confirmed at a second and third premises near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire yesterday (Monday, August 14).

The H5N1 strain of bird flu was also found at a site near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway yesterday.

3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones were declared around each of the affected premises shortly after 9:00p.m.

This means that movement restrictions are in place within these zones for poultry, carcasses, eggs, and poultry litter and manure.

This is to help prevent any further spread of the disease, the Scottish government said.

The Scottish government has urged birdkeepers to find out if their premises falls within these zones via the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) interactive map.

Bird flu in Scotland

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Scotland was lifted on July 4, 2023.

It followed a risk assessment, where the level of risk associated with bird flu to poultry and other captive birds was reduced to low.

On Friday (August 11), the Scottish government published a new response plan to deal with the issues posed by bird flu in wild birds.

The Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan sets out the multi-agency approach to monitoring and mitigating the spread of the disease.

The plan provides guidance to regulators, the public, those involved in animal rescue, researchers and environmental bodies on issues relating to bird flu in wild birds.

In the UK, there have been 194 confirmed cases of bird flu since October 1, 2022; 27 of these cases have been detected in Scotland.

158 were confirmed in England; eight were confirmed in Wales; and one case was confirmed in Northern Ireland.

There have been 292 cases of the H5N1 strain of the disease in England since the outbreak started in October 2021.

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The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has highlighted red meat and dairy export opportunities in Central/South America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The board said new analysis outlined in its Prospects for UK agri-food exports series revealed potential prospects for further exports, particularly for offal, in Central Amercia.

It also highlighted the benefits of the UK expanding the amount of commodity level red meat to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, as well as more premium cuts to the latter.

Longer-term opportunities for dairy also exist in South Africa as a larger cheese importer than other Sub-Saharan countries, AHDB said.

AHDB’s senior economist, Dr. Amandeep Kaur Purewal, said the latest analysis offers a “comprehensive insight” into where UK exporters can can maximise opportunities for red meat and dairy products over the next decade.

“The ultimate aim of our analysis is to provide insight and analysis for our producers and exporters to understand the opportunities and challenges of trading in different parts of the world,” she said.

“Cultivating these opportunities adds value back into the supply chain on behalf of our levy payers while supporting the UK Government’s ambition to become a ‘Great Trading Nation’.”

This latest analysis concludes AHDB’s series of Prospects for UK agri-food exports analyses launched in January this year.

The report researched opportunities for red meat, dairy and cereals exports on a region-by-region basis which includes Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

AHDB’s international trade development director, Dr. Phil Hadley, said: “We know there is interest across the world for British products and we need to fully understand the market dynamics and demands to make the most of the opportunities if producers are to continue to maximise returns.”

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Agricultural products and services provider Cargill UK has appointed three new technical and formulation poultry specialists.

The company said the new members will help extend and improve its poultry team.

Cargill UK’s commercial manager, David McBride, said the company is delighted to have an “experienced team of inspired and knowledgeable specialists” available to UK poultry producers.

“We have the expertise to bring the company’s global research and developments to poultry producers here in the UK and the industry knowledge to support them on their own units and with their own individual targets and goals,” he said.

Luke Bernard

Luke Barnard has joined the team as UK technical application specialist and will support the sales team by offering support to customers. 

Cargill UK said Bernard has gained 12 years of experience in technical and product development roles in global nutrition companies since graduating in biological sciences.

Most recently, he had a European role promoting new product development and technical services in gastrointestinal health of poultry.

Bernard is also a member of the Poultry Science Association and has had several peer-reviewed papers published.

Patrick Beyeler

Patrick Beyeler is a masters graduate in animal nutrition and spent a few years as a technical adviser on farms before joining Cargill South Africa in 2016.

Here, Beyeler took the role of technical lead with responsibility for larger poultry accounts.

Cargill UK said he has worked closely on promoting and supporting the company through feed additives, formulations and technologies in the Sub-Saharan African region.

In the UK, Beyeler is the customer formulation nutritionist working with poultry clients and senior nutritionists.

This work focuses on improving formulations and the nutrient profile of diets using the latest technologies available, Cargill UK said.

Chris Burton

Chris Burton has been appointed as Cargill UK’s new technical sales specialist.

The company said he brings more than 20 years experience in the UK poultry industry to the role, and started his career on broiler units and taking on management responsibilities.

Burton then moved into the feed industry and managed a Moy Park feed mill with responsibility for the staff and ensuring consistent quality of the finished product.

Most recently, after gaining a masters degree in poultry science from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), he has managed sales of feed safety and health products for poultry in the UK and Ireland.

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The National Pig Association (NPA) has announced that Katie Jarvis will be taking on the role of senior policy advisor at the end of October this year.

Jarvis will replace chief policy advisor Rebecca Veale, who will leave the NPA after four years in mid-August to take up a new role at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Charlie Dewhirst, currently a senior policy advisor, will go on to become chief policy advisor.

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said the NPA is “really excited” to announce Jarvis as its new senior policy advisor.

“She knows the pig industry well and her experience and policy knowledge will be absolutely key, as the NPA grapples with some important regulatory changes already in play and on the horizon,” she said.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Katie to the team. I also want to thank Becca, who has been a tremendous servant to the NPA and the pig industry over the past four years.

“Her work on Defra’s (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’) review of contractual practice in the pig supply chain, in particular, has been hugely important – and we wish her all the best in her new role.”

Speaking on her appointment, Jarvis said it was a “very exciting opportunity” for her and her career.

Jarvis currently works as a county advisor for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in the South-West and previously worked at its British Agriculture Bureau (BAB) office in Brussels for five years.

“I have enjoyed a good relationship with the NPA during my time at the BAB office and in my current role, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the team. I look forward to meeting members and getting stuck in,” she said.

She comes from an agricultural background and the NPA said she will join the role with “an established understanding of the pig industry”.

Before joining BAB, she trained and worked at the European Commission and a variety of international roles, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in Rome.

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Isotope testing carried out by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has been described as highly effective in verifying whether British pork products are truly British.

AHDB said Britain’s pork sector is at the forefront of driving the use of the technology to protect the sector and its brand.

Isotope testing is used to indicate where an animal was raised. This can helped in identifying if pork products are being mis-sold as British.

This protects the British brand, AHDB‘s animal health and welfare scientist Dr. Miranda Bowden-Doyle said, as well as protecting producers from fraudulent produce and protecting the price of “premium British pork”.

“There have been several cases of potential food fraud in the British meat sectors in recent years, most recently in March 2023 when beef sourced from South America and Europe was sold as British,” she said.

“The high levels of inflation we are currently seeing will be pressuring businesses, which could make fraud more likely as British products often command a price premium.

“Our isotope-testing project for pork, which has been running since 2009, acts as both a deterrent and an early warning system, protecting British pork from similar scandals and boosting both the sector’s reputation and consumer confidence.”

Food fraud

Managing director of Food Forensics, which conducted the testing on behalf of AHDB, Alison Johnson, said the testing can help shield the pork sector from incidences of food fraud seen in other sectors.

“The testing is highly effective, correctly categorising more than 90% of samples submitted, and can distinguish British and Irish products from imported samples,” she said.

“The more engagement we get from the sector, the better we will be able to protect our British brand.

“We urge all food business operators to get involved in collecting reference samples, either by collecting samples themselves using the Food Forensics remote-witnessing process and sending them to Food Forensics or by allowing auditors or Food Forensics staff to collect samples on their behalf.”

The larger and more regularly refreshed the reference sample database is, Johnson said, the more robust the test and the fewer flagged results likely to be seen.

“By being on the front foot, the pork sector can provide a real point of difference and protect themselves against the food fraud samples we have seen in other sectors,” she said.

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Tesco has today (Tuesday, August 1) announced further investment of £10 million for the UK egg sector, with £6 million of this provided from August 2023 to March 2024.

The money will be paid to suppliers to cover the cost of handling, processing and egg production, including any increases in feed for farmers.

Tesco said it will also continue to work with its suppliers to ensure the additional investment gets passed to farmers as quickly as possible.

It has also reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing all of its shell eggs from the UK and lifted buying restrictions on shell eggs in its stores.

Tesco customers were restricted to buying three packs of eggs at a time in November 2022 in an effort to ease pressure on the supply chain.

This is effective in stores from today and online from tomorrow (Wednesday, August 2).

Commenting on today’s announcements, Tesco commercial director for Fresh, Dominic Morrey said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide a further package of financial support to our UK egg suppliers and producers.

“The sector has faced some very tough conditions over the past 18 months, including increases to inputs such as feed and energy, as well as the avian flu outbreak, so we hope this support alleviates some of these challenges.

“As conditions begin to ease, we’re also able to remove the buying restrictions we’ve had in place on shell eggs since November last year.

“Customers can be reassured we also remain 100% British on all our shell eggs, with our five-year contracts with our suppliers now well underway.”

Earlier this month the government announced that a review of the egg sector’s supply chain would take place in autumn.

Tesco invested a total of £27.5 million in the egg sector from March 2022 to March 2023.

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This follows the confirmation by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) of further positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds.

Aston said: “Poultry farmers must remain vigilant and that means maintaining the highest levels of biosecurity at all times.”

Meanwhile, there is growing concern within the north’s poultry sector of what’s now becoming a year-round HPAI threat.

Significantly, Aston does not anticipate any decision on the part of DAERA, calling for poultry flocks to be housed as a biosecurity measure at the present time.

HPAI has also been detected in two fox cubs along with wild birds in the Portrush area over recent days.

While this is the first time mammals have been confirmed as having influenza of an avian strain in Northern Ireland, it is not unexpected.

There have been similar findings in mammals over recent months across Europe, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.

The most recent findings from Portrush were detected as part of DAERA’s routine disease surveillance, and the laboratory has confirmed the strain of the disease as H5N1 in both the fox cubs and wild birds.

DAERA is encouraging the public to keep their dogs on leads and keep pets away from carcasses, particularly in coastal areas. Posters have recently been issued in conjunction with local councils to reiterate this message.

The public is also being urged to report any findings of dead wild birds through the new online reporting form on the DAERA website.

Since its launch almost two weeks ago, over 150 reports have been made by members of the public.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency (PHA) has advised that human infections with AI are rare as it is primarily a disease of birds, with the risk to the health of the general public being very low.

Members of the public should not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry, wild birds or wild animals and keep pets away from them.

The should avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces. Untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste should be avoided.

It is also important to maintain good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also advised that there is a very low risk to public health from the consumption of properly cooked poultry meat or eggs, provided appropriate hygiene measures are followed.

Not all dead wild birds will be collected by DAERA for surveillance. Where dead wild birds are not required for surveillance purposes or other carcasses are found and not collected for surveillance purposes, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely dispose of the carcasses.

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The government has loosed controls on meat imports coming from Brazil to Great Britain, following an audit of the South American country’s sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory system.

Additional controls on Brazilian meat imports had been in place since 2017, when the UK was part of the EU, after Brazil identified shortcomings in its sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory system.

As of July 20, these additional controls will no longer be required to export affected commodities from Brazil to Great Britain.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that the audit found that these shortcomings had been “fully addressed”.

The audit focused on the Brazilian system for inspecting products of animal origin, notably beef and poultry, and was the first British audit mission abroad after Brexit.

Commenting, a Defra spokesperson said: “Following a recent audit with Brazilian authorities, we assessed that shortcomings in their sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory system had been fully addressed.

“This means that additional controls on affected Brazilian food commodities will be removed later this month.”

The spokesperson added that Defra remains “committed” to maintaining its “existing high standards for food imports”.

The Brazilian government added that the UK also announced the ‘regionalisation’ of Brazil at state level in relation to avian influenza (bird flu).

This means that any potential future outbreaks of bird flu in Brazil won’t result in the British market closing for all Brazilian poultry meat products, but only for those coming from the state where the disease has been identified.

Brazilian meat exports to GB

The UK will now place its trust in Brazil’s system of reviewing the sanitary and phytosanitary status of exporting establishments, which Brazil calls its “pre-registration” list.

According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), Brazil’s national institutional organisation for poultry and pork production, under the system, all companies that wish to ship chicken meat to the UK market must be approved by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and no longer by individual qualification missions of establishments carried out by the authorities of the European country.

The British missions, from now on, will focus on revalidating the Brazilian inspection system, it added.

President of the ABPA, Ricardo Santin, said this is a “demonstration of the high confidence of the UK authorities in the Brazilian inspection system”.

Director of markets from ABPA, Luis Rua added: “From a marketing point of view, the return to the pre-listing system will potentially allow more Brazilian companies to access what is one of the largest consumer markets in the world, guaranteeing greater access and more marketing options to Brazilian exporters.”

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil exported US$ 282.2 million in poultry meat and around US$ 134.5 million in beef to the UK in 2022.

Since Brexit, it said Brazilian agricultural exports to the UK have increased by 67%, reaching US$ 1.8 billion in 2022. The ABPA said that the UK is Brazil’s fifth-largest importer of poultry product.

According to Defra, the UK imported £334.1 million worth of meat and meat preparations from Brazil in 2022.

Brazil’s government also welcomed the lifting of the additional controls “with satisfaction”.

“The decision reflects the solid partnership between Brazil and the UK, adopting a precautionary approach in order to preserve trade between the two countries,” it said.

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Firefighters have urged farmers to think about fire safety following a call out to a field fire in Essex last night (Monday, July 17).

Crews from Essex Fire and Rescue Service were called to Ludgores Lane in Danbury at around 9:20p.m last night after a combine harvester caught fire.

When the crews arrived, the fire has spread to approximately 10ac of crops. Crews from Chelmsford (two), Maldon (two), Rayleigh Weir and Witham, and off-road vehicles from Billericay and Burnham helped tackle the fire.

Group manager Craig McLellan said: “Crews did a fantastic job of surrounding the fire so quickly and stopping it from spreading.

“The fire affected about 10ac of crops so they had to work incredibly hard to extinguish it. I’d like to thank the farmer for assistance too.

“Due to the rural location, crews have set up a water relay to extinguish the fire affecting the combine harvester.” 

It is believed that the cause of the fire was accidental.

Fire safety

Following last night’s incident Essex Fire and Rescue Service have urged farmers to think about fire safety, during harvest season in particular, “to reduce the risk of devastating and dangerous fires”.

It has said that farm machinery is one of the top causes of rural/farm fires.

To reduce the risk of a fire it advised farmers to keep machinery and vehicles well maintained and serviced regularly, and to clean machinery regularly to keep it free from hay, straw, oil and grease.

This messages comes at an apt time as the 11th annual Farm Safety Week is underway – the theme of which is ‘Farm Safety Starts with Me’.

A drive-home message of this theme is for farmers to take the time to review the safety measures on their farm.

Echoing this message, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is this week running a campaign encouraging farmers to “take five to stay alive”.

The idea behind this message is that taking five minutes before a tasks allows time to evaluate the task at hand and implement ways to make the task safer.

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Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president William Irvine is encouraging farmers to review safety measures on their farm and work out what can be done to improve it this Farm Safety Week.

“For example, signage regarding slurry pits, high-powered equipment and livestock can make a huge difference and can help to keep you and farm workers safe all year round,” he said.

“By doing this, you are not only actively working to keep yourself safe, but you are also protecting the farm business and most importantly your family, from the devastating experience of losing a loved one.”

The 11th annual Farm Safety Week, an initiative by the Farm Safety Foundation involving organisations across the UK and Ireland, kicks off today (Monday, July 17) with the theme ‘Farm Safety Starts with Me’.

Common excuses like ‘I’ve always done it that way’ and ‘I’m in a hurry’ are “not good enough reasons for risk-taking, poor maintenance of equipment or unsafe working”, Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation, said.

“While we are seeing more people calling out poor practices and sharing their experiences there seems to be a broad acceptance that this is just how it is in farming?” she added.

Berkeley reminds that the agriculture mortality rates remain “stubbornly high”; 21 people were killed in work-related incidents in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in Great Britain last year.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this is “markedly higher than the average across all industries”.

Camilla Mackey, HSE Northern Ireland’s principal inspector of the agri-food team, added: “I am appealing to the farming community to consider the risks they face, and, put proper precautions in place to ensure tasks are carried out safely. It could just save your life.”

Farm Safety Week

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) over the week this year is encouraging farmers to “take five to stay alive”, with the idea that taking five minutes before a tasks allows time to evaluate the task at hand and implement ways to make the task safer.

It also encourages regular breaks to prevent physical or mental burnout. NFU is encouraging farmers to share the ways that they stay safe on the farm on social media using the hashtag #Take5StayAlive.

The “heartbreaking thing” about most farm accidents, UFU president Irvine said, “is that they could have been prevented”.

“Working on a farm creates risk every day and we need to be constantly aware and reminded of that to create a safer working environment and habits,” William Irvine said.

“All of us are guilty of thinking ‘it will never happen to me’. But, as Farm Safety Week has shown in the past, and will do again this year, a farm accident can happen to anyone in a spilt second, changing lives forever.”

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed today (Friday, July 14) that an additional two people, who had direct exposure to avian influenza (bird flu), have tested positive for the virus.

Both people were poultry workers who worked at two different premises and both cases were at different premises in England, unconnected to where there had been previously reported cases.

According to UKHSA “precautionary contact tracing was undertaken, but there is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission”.

“These findings do not change the assessment of human health risk, which remains at Level 3, the agency stated.

Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging Infections at UKHSA, has stressed that current evidence suggests “that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people”.

“However, we know already that the virus can spread to people following close contact with infected birds and this is why, through surveillance programmes like this one, we are monitoring people who have been exposed to learn more about these risks,” Dr Chand added.

She said that bird flu can be detected in people following “contamination of the nose and throat from breathing in material from the environment”.

But Dr Chand said it can also be due to infection.

“It can be difficult to distinguish these in people who have no symptoms. Following any detection, we will immediately initiate the appropriate public health response,” she added.

According to UKHSA detections of bird flu in farmed poultry continue but remain at low levels compared to the last quarter of last year.

Since 2021 there have been five detections of human bird flu in the UK in total.

In its latest update the World Health Organisation (WHO) said current outbreaks of bird flu have “caused devastation in animal populations, including poultry, wild birds, and some mammals”.

The WHO also warned that recently, there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals caused by viruses – 10 countries across three continents have reported outbreaks in mammals to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) since 2022. 

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The organisation, in a recent position paper adopted by its General Assembly, underlines the significance of sustainable agriculture and raises concerns regarding the potential impact of lab-grown food on global food security, food safety and human health, cultural heritage, and the livelihoods of farming communities.

Lab-grown food, substances produced in laboratories for human consumption, are created using tissues or cells and are not naturally occurring on a large scale, according to the WFO.

It claimed that they are supported by marketing campaigns that enhance the myth of greater sustainability compared to agriculture.

The WFO said that farmers “firmly reject this narrative that lacks scientific evidence”.

Lab-grown food

According to the WFO, the recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), titled ‘Food Safety Aspects of Cell Based Food’, makes it clear that there is no reliable evidence to compare cell-based food to farmer-produced food

The WFO stated: “There is still much to consider about its nutritional value and how it could affect human health in the long-term.

“In addition, any claims regarding less land and water use, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, animal welfare and reduced risk of zoonotic diseases have yet to be proved.

“The role of farmers is essential in shaping resilient and sustainable food systems.”

The organisation added that achieving sustainability involves embracing diverse agricultural systems, ensuring inclusiveness and transparency, and promoting research and innovation while preserving tradition.

“The WFO values innovation and embraces an approach that is bottom-up, science-based, and
result-oriented,” the organisation’s statement continued.

It has called for collaboration among farmers, researchers, and stakeholders in the value chain to address the challenges ahead, develop innovative practices, and deliver sustainable solutions to produce, process, distribute and consume food in a sustainable manner.

The WFO is also urging stronger connections between consumers, policymakers, and the agricultural and rural communities to promote a better understanding of the benefits of agriculture, including livestock farming.

“On these assumptions, the WFO strongly opposes replacing farmer-grown food with lab-made foodstuff,” the organisation stated.

“Such substitutes dismiss the work and contribution of farmers to sustainability and push consumers towards a homogenous dietary model that undermines the tradition, diversity, richness, quality, and uniqueness of regional food systems across the planet.”

World Farmers’ Organisation

The World Farmers’ Organisation, is a member-based organisation, representing a community of geographically balanced entrepreneurial farmers.

Regardless of their size (small-, medium- and large-scale), gender, and age, the WFO wants farmers’ role as food producers and economic actors, globally recognised.

The WFO said its mission is to advocate for the global farming community in international processes impacting the present and the future of the agricultural sector.

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430 birds have been removed from Stonehaven Beach on the east coast of Scotland.

Aberdeenshire Council has also confirmed that a further 126 birds have been recovered from Cruden Bay Beach, about 45 miles north of Stonehaven.

This follows the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) at a commercial premises at Lower Inchdrewer, near the coastal town of Banff, Aberdeenshire on Sunday (July 9).

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been placed around the infected premises, restricting movement such as between poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, to help stop any potential further spread.

Bird flu is often spread by migrating wild birds. At this time of year, a large number of seabirds migrate to the northeast of Scotland to feed and breed.

This is resulting in an unusually high number of dead or dying birds being washed up on our beaches.

Aberdeenshire Council said its teams are “closely monitoring the number of deaths in the bird population”.

However, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson added: “The council has finite resources, but we will look to remove large concentrations of birds from popular areas of highest footfall.

“People should be aware, however, that there will inevitably be more birds washed ashore with each tide so beaches may not be cleared entirely.”

It advises to leave dead or sick birds where they are, to keep pets and children away from dead or sick birds and not to touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.

“The risk of catching avian influenza from dead or dying birds is extremely low, however due to other diseases such as salmonella which wild birds can carry, the advice is to leave the birds in situ,” the spokesperson added.

If people come across more than 10 dead bird in one area they can report the location to the council’s online form on its avian influenza webpage.

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21 people were killed in work-related incidents in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry in Great Britain last year, according to figures published today (Thursday, July 6) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

This is just below the sector’s five-year age of 26 and the majority of deaths (64%) were to the self-employed.

While there were more deaths in the construction industry last year (45), the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry has the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers of all the main industrial sectors.

The HSE said that the rate of fatal injury in the sector remains “markedly higher than the average across all industries”.

Fatal work-related incidents

Overall, 135 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain last year (period April 2022 to March 23). 26 of these were in Scotland, 15 in Wales and the remainder (94) in England.

This number is higher than the previous year (123), but in line with pre-pandemic levels. The figure for 2021/2021 was 145. Over the long-term however, the rate of fatal injury to workers shows a downward trend.

The three most common causes of fatal injuries are falls from height (40), being struck by a moving object (29), and being struck by a moving vehicle (20).

Commenting on the figures released as part of the ‘Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain’ report today, HSE chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Any loss of life in the workplace is a tragedy.

“While these figures show Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, safety must continue to be at the top of everyone’s agenda.

“Our mission is to protect people and places and we remain committed to maintaining safe workplaces and holding employers to account for their actions.”

A further 68 members of the public were killed following a work-related incident in 2022/23. This is a decrease of 20 from last year.

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The avian influenza (bird flu) prevention zones (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland have been lifted as the risk of bird flu for all poultry is reduced to ‘low’.

The AIPZ was introduced in Great Britain in October when the risk to poultry was ‘medium’.

“Now we are in the summer months and the risk to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, it is the right time to lift the AIPZ,” Dr. Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months.”

A ‘low risk’ label means that an event of bird flu is rare, but does occur. The risk in wild birds remains high and all bird keepers should continue to uphold biosecurity measures to stop the disease from spreading.

“There are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe,” Dr. Middlemiss added.

Most recently, bird flu was confirmed in commercial poultry on Sunday (July 2) at a premises in Cumbria.

Preventative zones have been declared around the premises as per protocol, where restrictions apply. This will continue to be standard for any new cases.

All poultry gathering including at fairs, shows and markets, also remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.

Since October 2021, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu, with over 330 cases confirmed.

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Speaking to Agriland, Adrian Fitzsimons said he hopes his near-death experience will serve as a reminder for all farmers to exercise extreme caution when working with slurry.

The part-time suckler farmer said the freak accident occurred while he was filling a tanker with slurry on Saturday afternoon (June 24).

“I was doing no different than I was doing with every other load of slurry,” he explained.

“I went to walk across the pipe, the tank lid was open and I had safety mesh down and I don’t know did it [the safety mesh] move, but I fell down in a shot into the tank.

“I fell down and the next place I found myself…..was below, on my hands and knees at the bottom of the tank and completely submerged with slurry,” he said.

“The tank was over three-quarters full. When I was standing up in it, [the slurry] was up to my mouth.

“So I swung round quick and found the pipe. The pipe at this stage was still connected to the tanker because I never even got to close down the sluice or do anything like that, it happened as I was going across to do that.

“I got a hold of the pipe and got myself fished up out of the slurry. I pulled myself up and got my head and shoulders and mouth above the slurry.

“I held on to the pipe. My eyes, my ears and my mouth were all full of slurry. I thought if I got a second, I would be able to climb up the pipe and get out,” he continued.

“I pulled and tried and pulled but I could only get up a few inches. I could not get up, I could not get myself out.

“I held onto the pipe as hard as I could because with the muck and everything I tried to just keep my mouth above the slurry, trying to get just a gasp of the fresh air from the manhole above.

“I thought I was gone. The emotion of it, the smell, the ammonia, it was out and out unreal. It was absolutely the scariest thing. I started dehydrating in the tank with the roaring and the shouting and with the slurry.

“I put my hand up and my lips were rock hard. I have a moustache and it was solid with the slurry that was on it and my mouth was dry because when I was submerged down in the slurry, it was up my nose and in my mouth. I was trying to spit it out and my mouth went dry.

“When I was below in the tank, I was slipping because the slurry was coming back up over my shoulders. The pain in my head was unnatural.”

Adrian was in the slurry pit for two and a half hours, from roughly 2:20p.m until 4:50p.m when a friend came.

“I had arranged to meet a friend later on that evening. My phone was in the tractor and he had rang and text several times wondering why I wasn’t replying back,” Adrian explained.

“He just by an off chance landed into the yard and he heard me shouting below in the tank and he got me.

“It’s one of these things you don’t expect to happen but it can happen very, very handy.

“There’s not too many that get the chance to tell the tale. If my story will stop a farmer from taking a chance, well then I’m a happy man.”

Adrian said the slurry tank has been closed and will not be reopened until all safety covers have been fixed.

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The country’s Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) said that the case had been detected in a flock containing chickens, ducks, and geese in the municipality of Serra, in the state of Espírito Santo.

The ministry said that it was important to note that the confirmed case in a backyard flock does not bring restrictions to the international trade of Brazilian poultry products.

“Consumption and export of poultry products remain safe,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (June 27).

Bird Flu

Officials said that sanitary measures are being used to contain and eradicate the outbreak.

Surveillance of domestic bird populations in the region where the outbreak was detected are also being intensified.

Depending on how the investigation into the case evolves, the ministry said that new measures may be adopted to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the national poultry industry.

This is Brazil’s first confirmed case of bird flu in poultry raised for subsistence since the virus entered the country on May 15.

Currently, Brazil has recorded 50 cases of the virus in wild birds in the states of Espírito Santo; Bahia; Paraná; Rio de Janeiro; Rio Grande do Sul; Santa Catarina; and São Paulo.

The Brazilian government said that communication about the disease and the main prevention measures are being reinforced in a bid to spread awareness among the public and poultry breeders.

The emphasis is on the immediate notification of suspected cases of the disease and to strengthen biosecurity measures in poultry production establishments.

Poultry

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) has highlighted the transparency and excellent work in monitoring bird flu carried out to date by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

The organisation said that this outbreak does not change Brazil’s status as free of bird flu within the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHOA) standards, since commercial production continues without any registration.

ABPA said it is not expected that any changes will occur in the flow of exports and there is no risk to product supply.

However, it is understood that Japan has temporarily suspended poultry imports from the state of Espírito Santo following the confirmed case.

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The World Meat Congress 2023, a global meeting of representatives from the meat industry and related sectors, will take place in the Netherlands in October, its organisers have announced.

The International Meat Secretariat (IMS) and the Dutch Meat Industry Association (COV) have announced that the event will take place from October 11 to 13 in the city of Maastricht.

It is expected that several hundred people from the global meat industry will attend, along with representatives of other sectors.

The theme of this year’s congress is ‘Meeting Society and Consumer’.

According to the organisers, key topics on the agenda include the role of meat in the “global climate ambition”, society’s expectations on animal welfare, the labour market, and the impact of geopolitical developments on meat trade and production.

The event will hear from speakers on these issues from the academic world, international organisations and representatives of the meat value chain.

The organisers also said that the congress is attractive for stakeholders not directly working in the international meat business, such as representatives of government, trade organisations, retailers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Commenting on the World Meat Congress 2023, Laurens Hoedemaker, president of the COV, said: “The world is on the verge of several major changes and transitions. Social and environmental developments lead to a critical view on the production of meat and meat products.

“At the same time, the sector – helped by technological innovation – is making big strides towards more sustainable production,” Hoedemaker added.

This will be the first World Meat Congress in five years. The organisers say that their focus is on challenges facing the industry and to help meat industry professionals understand the current the future expectations of consumers as well as society.

The opening address of the event will be ‘Healthiness of Meat in our Contemporary Diets’, and will be delivered by Dr. Luc van Loon, professor of the Physiology of Exercise at the Department of Human Biology and Movement Sciences at Maastricht University.

The congress will also feature a plenary debate, to which ministers from some European countries have been invited.

The topic of this debate is ‘The political landscape for the production and consumption of meat’.

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“I always say I was born two generations too late,” said Robbie Neill from Stonebridge Cottage Farm in Crossgar, Co. Down which specialises in pedigree pork. 

“I was always into sustainability. I prefer the times when people had their own livestock and grew their own vegetables, when they were more self-sufficient.”

Stonebridge Cottage Farm has 120 rare breed pigs, some pedigree sheep and a flock of hens.

Robbie is from a farming background. He grew up on a beef and sheep farm with his parents and two brothers.

He had spent more than a decade breeding pedigree Suffolk sheep but took over the family farm with his brother when his father passed away suddenly in 2016.

His brother rears and breeds Limousins and British Blues, while Robbie concentrated on pigs.

Pedigree pork in Co. Down

So how did he get into pedigree pork?

“I said to my wife Louise that I wouldn’t mind a sow out the back and she said ‘no way, we have enough four-legged animals about the place’. She went to a hen do and as soon as the tail light was out the driveway, I had Martha in the yard. She was a pedigree Oxford Sandy and Black,” Robbie explained.

“Louise forgave me eventually and we kept her. Before long, we had a litter of piglets.”

That was seven years ago. Now, Robbie has 100 pigs – a mixture of Oxford Sandy and Black and Saddleback which he rears and breeds.

Some are sold in their farm shop; some go to independent fine food stores and others to food service.

The unique selling point is that they are fed with the whey from Mike’s Fancy Cheese which is a raw milk cheese made nearby.

They also get spent grain from the Bullhouse Brewery in Belfast. Feed is bought from the local mill and they also get local vegetables.

“Mike had nowhere for his whey, so we collect from him once a week and the brewers’ grain is also close by,” Robbie explained.

“I started when I had Martha with grain from Farmageddon Co-op which is now closed but thankfully, craft breweries are now very popular and the Bullhouse have two locations in Belfast including a tap room in Ballyhackamore in east Belfast.

“I work with Lisdergan Butchers from Omagh who take whole animals off me and distribute to food service.

“Chefs love that there is a such good provenance and that they have a traditional diet. I still have a full-time job as a firefighter, so between the farm shop, retail, private customers and the food service through Lisdergan Meats, it balances out well,” Robbie added.

Markets for pork

The majority of their business is selling to chefs, but Robbie says he enjoys interacting with the public.

“We are flexible with our hours for the farm shop. It is open all day Saturday which tends to be the busiest day,” he said.

“What is different about us is that we can provide the cuts that are difficult for people to source, like porchetta.

“We are seeing more demand for the roasting cuts like shoulder, and pork belly with the rind still attached, but the burgers, chops, mince and sausages still sell very well.”

The pedigree side of the business is something Robbie says he gets great satisfaction from.

“There is a great buzz at shows and events,” he said. “You get to exchange news and tips with other breeders and it’s lovely when they get a rosette. I love that the children are entering competitions, too.

“Hyacinth (named after Hyacinth Bucket (bouquet) in the TV show Keeping Up Appearances) won prizes at the Armagh County Show and Balmoral.”

Farm

The majority of the herd is kept outdoors on 4-5ac (the farm is 100ac, most of which his brother uses for rearing pedigree cattle) until the pigs are housed over winter.

“The ground they are on is marshy, so by winter it is too heavy and hard to get out to feed them. They don’t tend to thrive as well, so I move them into bedded sheds,” Robbie said.

“I still keep some pedigree Kerry Hill and North County Cheviot sheep, but the rare breed pork seems to have struck a chord with people.”

He said he is always happy to talk to people who want to get into rearing rare breed pigs. Future plans include building a family home on his grandparents’ farm nearby, subject to planning permission.

“At the moment, we live off-farm. It would be good to bring it all onto one site and maybe work more on farm-to-fork initiatives,” Robbie continued.

“The family are young [three children], so it’s about being able to go places with them and still have the animals.

“I used to say when I had sheep, you couldn’t get a dog to bark over the hedge at you. Now, with the pork, people love it. I have lots more plans in the pipeline.”

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The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB’s) four sector councils have begun discussions over increasing levy rates to address the impact of rising costs on the board’s spending power.

Conversations will be held with key industry stakeholders and levy payers during the coming months.

Levy payers and stakeholders can give feedback to the AHDB in a number of ways, including: Attending AHDB meetings, talking to representatives in relevant sectors, and contacting AHDB directly.

Once levy payers and stakeholders have had the opportunity to share their views, sector councils will decide on a recommendation to share with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which is responsible for making a final decision on changing levy rates.

If approved, new rates could be implemented from April 2024, the AHDB said.

AHDB levy rates

The levy rate for the beef and lamb and cereal and oilseeds sectors has not changed for more than 10 years, and for the dairy and pork sectors it hasn’t changed in over 20 years.

However, rising costs across agriculture and inflation have added pressure to sector budgets.

“[The] AHDB is having to adapt the work it’s delivering at a time when budgets are being impacted by inflation and a budget reduced by changes to our VAT status,” AHDB’s divisional director of engagement, Will Jackson said.

“There have been no increases for over a decade, inflation has eroded the value of the levy by around 40% in this time and there needs to be a significant step taken to close this gap

“There is never a right time to be recommending a levy increase, but we believe the current economic climate makes the case more urgent with clear, tangible benefits.

“Without a levy increase, we will lose the expertise and impact that the four sectors need.”

AHDB sector councils

AHDB sector councils represent the beef and lamb; cereals and oilseeds; dairy; and pork sectors. They decide what programmes of work are needed to support their sectors, and what recommended levy rate is needed to fund that work.

The council members are typically levy payers of the that sector. Appointments are made based on candidates’ skills, and are confirmed through a levy payer vote.

The AHDB is currently seeking new members for all four of its sector councils.

Interested parties have until Monday, June 26, to apply.

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Over 50 experts from disciplines across health, veterinary science, agriculture, laboratory services and the food sector, participated in the table-top exercise held in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Jointly organised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Health Protection Service and the Public Health Agency (PHA), participants took part in planning exercises and discussions on optimising cross-border communication, coordination and disease control in the case of bird flu in birds and/or humans.

Dr. Joanne McClean, director of public health at the PHA, said: “Public health emergencies don’t recognise borders, so it is crucial that we work together on an all-island basis to tackle any threat to human and animal health.

“Planning events such as this are key to having the correct systems in place to act quickly and effectively in reducing the most severe effects on population health should we be faced with these risks in the future.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us all the effectiveness of multi-agency collaborative working in order to protect the public.”

Dr. Éamonn O’Moore, national director of health protection, HSE added: “Close working relationships with our nearest neighbours in Northern Ireland and indeed with all of the UK are vital as we prepare for emergencies such as avian flu.

“Establishment of shared understanding, shared protocols and approaches will enable rapid and agile joint response to better protect population health across this island.

“Using a ‘One-Health’ approach which places equal importance on measures that address avian influenza virus from animal, human and environmental health perspectives, integrated exercises such as these strengthen our emergency preparedness for future threats.”

Planning and preparation events for health protection take place regularly, with further cross-border exercises planned in the coming years.

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A Shropshire farmer has been sentenced for causing unnecessary harm to his poultry following an investigation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Shropshire Trading Standards.

Paul Hotchkiss of Gilberries Hall Farm was given a Community Punishment Oder of 100 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay costs totalling £5,877.18 at Telford Magistrates Court.

His case began in 2021 when the Food Standards Agency (FSA) reported on chickens with severe pododermatitis (dermatitis of the foot pads) in 90-100% of birds on arrival at a slaughterhouse. 

Pododermatitis causes inflammation and necrotic lesions primarily to the bottom of chickens’ feet.

The APHA said its inspectors and Shropshire Trading standards visited the farm and despite advice from both APHA and the private vet, there was limited improvement in subsequent flocks of birds.

Farm investigations and an export report were provided to the court, which heard Hotchkiss plea guilty to the charges.

Commenting on the case, Aled Edwards, head of Field Delivery England, APHA said:

“APHA takes potential breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and investigates all allegations.

“This case demonstrates our robust enforcement approach and the effective collaboration between ourselves and local authorities.

“I welcome this sentence from the court and hope it will act as a reminder to others, that animal welfare is of paramount importance.”

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Descriptive and informative menus may encourage diners in the out-of-home market to select meat-based dishes.

This is according to research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which also showed that out-of-home dining accounted for between six and 13% of total beef, lamb and pork volumes in the UK during 2022.

However, the board has said that its research has uncovered unused opportunities to elevate the red meat industry in the out-of-home market and, if implemented, could maximise sales and improve the reputation of the industry.

The new findings from AHDB’s consumer and retail insight team have highlighted that getting the menu and dish offering right is the key to ensuring that a consumer chooses a red meat dish when they eat out.

AHDB senior retail insight manager, Kim Heath, said: “The research provides restaurants and other eating-out establishments with insights to help them maximise sales of these dishes, benefiting the supply end of the market by improving the reputation of red meat among consumers and increasing demand.”

Out-of-home market

AHDB said the out-of-home market is driven by indulgence and enjoyment, which are both associated with perceived quality from consumers.

When presented with mock menus and asked to select which areas most signalled meat quality to them, consumers stated that standards and ‘Britishness’ combined were the most meaningful aspects to them.

The Union flag, Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured logos, for example, were identified as trusted, intuitive symbols according to AHDB’s research.

“Coupling this with appetising images and descriptions focused on preparation and cooking methods, flavour and eating experience, will bolster meat quality and taste perceptions further,” AHDB said.

“Descriptive words such as ‘tender, slow cooked belly of pork’ suggests a sensory experience, and ‘specially selected for flavour’ implies quality and care.

“Descriptors around freshness and outdoor bred and reared were also valued pieces of information to inform meal choice.”

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Huey said birdkeepers should “immediately step up their biosecurity measures” after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed detections of bird flu in wild birds.

DAERA said bird flu has been detected in samples of dead black-headed gulls which were reported and collected for testing at four locations in Northern Ireland.

The locations were:

• Belfast Harbour;
• Comber;
• Coalisland;
• Magherafelt.

The findings in Belfast resulted in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB NI) closing its Window on Wildlife facilities near Belfast.

In light of these most recent bird flu confirmations, DAERA vets have updated the ongoing Veterinary Risk Assessment.

“There is now an increasing likelihood of incursion into kept flocks, albeit with a high level of uncertainty, in consideration of the relatively limited number of reports,” the department said.

Huey said that, despite the department’s decision to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on June 2, the positive bird flu cases in black-headed gulls should serve as a “stark warning” that bird flu is still a threat.

“We must remain cautious of the potential for this persistent disease to spread more widely to other species of wild birds and even enter our kept domestic flocks. We must work hard to protect our entire industry,” he said.

“It is imperative that biosecurity measures are the first thing you think about every morning, and the last thing you think about at night – check, check and re-check what you are doing.”

Biosecurity

DAERA and Huey released a list of tips for bird and poultry keepers on the steps they can take to protect their flocks.

These steps include:

• Prevent direct or indirect contact between your flock and wild birds and their manure;
• Prevent access by wild birds to feed, feed storage and water;
• Change your boots;
• Wash your hands;
• Wear disposable boiler suits;
• Keep surrounding areas and specifically the curtilage around houses clean;
• Only have essential vehicles coming on site.

“Completing your daily biosecurity checklist is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity, as is registering your flock with DAERA so that you can receive the latest advice and understand the risk levels,” Huey said.

“We are also asking the poultry industry and the general public to report incidences of dead birds to help us build a better current picture of the spread and any developing patterns across Northern Ireland.”

Huey urged the public who find dead waterfowl or other dead wild birds to not touch the carcasses and to immediately report it to DAERA.

“Information received will be assessed and a decision made on whether to collect and sample the carcass for avian influenza,” he explained.

“We must work together to protect Northern Ireland’s poultry industry, the value of which is significant to our economy. Eggs and poultry meat provide a reliable source of safe, nutritious food.

“It is incumbent on you as a bird keeper, whether that’s of one or 10,000 birds, to stop AI getting into your flock.”

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The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is seeking new members for all four of its sector councils.

Positions are now available in the beef and lamb; cereals and oilseeds; dairy; and pork sectors. The application deadline for the available positions is Monday, June 26.

Appointments are for three-year terms, starting from October of this year. The roles require a commitment of up to two days/month, including attendance at sector council meetings.

AHDB said sector council members play a “crucial role” in deciding what work should be commissioned for their sector and ensuring there is effective engagement between levy payers and the board.

Members applying for positions in any of the sectors are required to abide by the AHDB code of conduct for board and committee members.

Responsibilities of sector council members include attending senior council meetings – of which there are typically four every year – and contributing to debates and discussions to agree five-year strategic sector priorities for levy payers to vote on.

As well as engaging with levy payers to seek feedback on their sector’s needs, new council members will also be expected to contribute to debates and discussions in deciding the proposed activities and programmes which will be funded.

They must take into account the results of levy payers voting polls, AHDB said. More information on the roles and their respective sectors can be found on the AHDB website.

“At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we act as a critical enabler for the industry and shape the future of farming in the UK,” a spokesperson said.

“Working with AHDB you won’t just be helping our farmers produce the food we eat and look after our environment, you’ll be shaping the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.”

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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB NI) confirmed that its reserve at Belfast WOW was closed to the public, as a result of the outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu), until further notice.

The RSPB said that “current scientific guidance is being followed” and it would provide an update when more information was available.

It also confirmed that it was the society’s policy to leave dead or dying birds on the ground because handling these birds is a “health risk”.

“Unless there is a significant public health risk we are leaving them.

“Removing dead birds can cause disturbance and unnecessary flight among infected birds.

“This takes energy the birds need to be more resilient to the disease and can also spread the disease further,” the RSPB stated.

The society has also stressed that the risk to humans from bird flu is rare and “very low”.

According to the RSPB there is limited evidence on the spread within or to other species from leaving dead birds.

“We are basing decisions on the risk to the species, to other species and to the people who might remove them.

“This is a difficult balancing act and we are keeping the situation under review,” it added.

The outbreak of bird flu at the Belfast nature reserve emerged shortly after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland had lifted the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and the ban on poultry gatherings that had been in force across Northern Ireland – both expired on Friday, June 2.

Meanwhile the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) also confirmed that the legal requirement for specific biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of Avian Influenza (bird flu) had been lifted on June 1, 2023.

The department said: “The decision to remove these measures is based on indicators of reduced risk of avian influenza – including the fact that no case of this disease has been confirmed in wild birds in Ireland for a period of over six weeks”.

However DAFM had warned flock owners to remain vigilant because there was still the possibility of “the virus being present in the environment or being transmitted to their flock by wild birds”.

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The ban on poultry gatherings will also be lifted, Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs confirmed today (Wednesday, May 31).

The measures were introduced on October 17, 2022, and included a range of compulsory biosecurity measures on poultry flocks.

The aim of the bird flu prevention zone was to “address the risk posed by avian influenza to the poultry sector”, DAERA said.

The department’s chief veterinary officer (CV0), Robert Huey, said the lifting of disease control measures has been made possible by the “determined efforts” of Northern Ireland’s poultry sector.

He applauded the sector for protecting their flocks and minimising the impact of the disease, which has put the department “in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers”.

The CVO said: “I’m sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society.

“Although all mandatory restrictions have now been lifted, the biosecurity requirements set out for the AIPZ should still be considered good practice.

“We are urging all bird keepers, whether they have a few birds or thousands, to adhere to the guidance as much as is practically possible.”

Huey also encouraged all poultry and captive bird keepers to “remain vigilant” for any sign of disease in their birds and to seek immediate veterinary advice if they have any concerns.

The bird flu housing measures introduced in November of last year in Northern Ireland were lifted on April 18.

The lifting of the housing measures meant that poultry and other captive birds would no longer need to be housed, and would be allowed to be kept outside again.

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New research suggests shoppers would prefer meat-free products to be displayed in a different place to meat products in shops.

The research undertaken by the retail and consumer insight team of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in collaboration with the Smithfield Collective shows that 60% of shoppers want both products to be displayed separately.

The aim of the research was to understand consumer behaviour towards vegetarian and vegan products.

The research found that there is the potential for confusion among shoppers, with 52% admitting to being confused when meat and meat-free products were very mixed together in stores.

AHDB said British farmers should take the research as evidence that it is looking to protect their interests.

Separately a total of 69% of consumers who took part in the research indicated that meat-free brands should try to describe their products in a way that sounds like meat, and 50% believe they should not use words like ‘steak’ and ‘bacon’.

The research also found that shoppers are more fond of meat packaging, with 70% likeability on average across the three meat packs tested compared to 61% for meat-free packs.

In terms of packaging details, 75% of shoppers think the amount of detail on meat labels is ‘about right’, while 66% of shoppers said the same thing about plant-based packages.

Retail insight manager for AHDB, Grace Randall, said: “This research is helping provide retailers and processors with evidence to protect and grow red meat sales.

The findings give the industry the evidence needed to challenge retailers or government that meat and meat-free products shouldn’t be displayed together.

“AHDB will use these findings for further research in to how best to optimise meat packaging.”

AHDB said the research may now be used by industry bodies who wish to challenge their “intellectual property”.

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North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that around 8,000 birds are believed to have died as a result of a fire on a poultry farm in Anglesey.

The fire service said it was called to a fire in an industrial unit housing poultry shortly after 5.30am this morning (Tuesday, May 30).

Fire crews from Amlwch, Benllech and Menai Bridge attended the scene of the fire, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The team outlined that the cause of the fire was accidental.

Arson investigation

Northamptonshire Police also launched an investigation into a case of suspected arson in west Northamptonshire last week.

The fire, which caused an estimated £50,000 worth of damage, broke out in a barn between 8:00p.m and 10:00p.m on Tuesday, May 16.

The barn on Warkworth Road, Middleton Cheney, was left destroyed, along with around 300 large straw bales which were stored inside it.

Northamptonshire Police appealed for information over the weekend and said that it was being treated as a “deliberate act” and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or by contacting FireStoppers anonymously by phone or online.

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County Offally native Aiden Byrne, who was previously a farm manager with Rosderra for 10 years, has joined the MSD Animal Health pig team.

Byrne, who is based near Birr, will cover the region south of Galway and Dublin.

MSD Animal Health believes that Byrne will bring a wealth of practical experience to his new role.

Byrne said: “I can’t wait to get out and about with customers and on farm, supporting the product range and their intradermal IDAL device in particular.”

Pig industry

Byrne, along with Laura Boyd represented MSD Animal Health at the Balmoral Show earlier in the month, where the company was the pig class sponsors.

He said that it had been “great to head up north and experience the Balmoral Show. It’s a great event and there are some fantastic pigs on show.”

Trevor Shields, who won the Large White class and owner of the Inter-breed Pig Champion agreed with Byrne that the standard of pigs at the Balmoral Show had been very high in 2023.

“The Pig sector has had a very hard couple of years and we’re hoping we’re about to turn a corner with increased pig prices and a reduction in feeding costs,” Shields added.

According to MSD Animal Health the pig industry demands innovative approaches to emerging diseases.

The company said that it strives to offer products and services that make a difference for improved farm performance and profitability.

Balmoral

One of the biggest agri-food events on the island and this year’s Balmoral Show attracted an estimated 120,000 visitors regardless of whether the sun was shining or not.

Agriland caught up with visitors to the 2023 Balmoral Show – some visiting from only ten minutes up the road, others from as far afield as Cork while some made the journey down from the highlands in Scotland and the vast valleys of Wales.

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The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge that the government is in breach of animal welfare laws regarding the breeding practices of broiler chickens.

Animal welfare charity The Humane League had claimed that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs adopted policies to allow for farmers to rear fast-growing breeds of broiler chicken at the expense of the animals’ welfare.

However, in a judgement handed down yesterday (Wednesday, May 24), Sir Ross Cranston said: “To my mind it cannot be said, a matter of law, that the Secretary of State has acted contrary to her legal duties in the guidance the Code [of Practice] offers.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has welcomed this decision.

“Farm animals are protected by robust animal health and welfare laws, which include detailed requirements on how they should be kept,” a department spokesperson added.

“We will continue to work with the farming sector to maintain and enhance our high standards.”

High Court proceedings

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has said the judgement is a “missed opportunity to make the single most important change for animals in 200 years”.

Its 2020 report – Eat. Sit. Suffer. Repeat. The Life of a Typical Meat Chicken – led the claimant to launch this judicial review and formed the backdrop for the case.

The RSPCA was granted permission to intervene in the proceedings by way of written and oral submissions; there was a witness statement from its chief legal officer, Raymond Goodfellow.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) did not participate at the hearing, however it lodged a Summary Grounds of Resistance at an earlier stage of the proceedings and made submissions at the appellate stage.

Dr. Marc Cooper, head of farm animals at the RSPCA, said: “We’re extremely disappointed by this news.

“The sheer scale of suffering and numbers of animals involved means this is a huge missed opportunity to address the biggest issue for animal welfare in this country.

“The outcome of this judicial review represents a significant failure to address the most pressing animal welfare issue of our time, despite overwhelming evidence of suffering.

“The scale of the issue is unprecedented and set to get worse as numbers farmed are predicted to continue to rise to meet growing demand.”

Th Human League said that while it lost the case, it “gained momentum” in it’s cause, and will “fight to get justice for chickens”.

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Brazil has declared an official state of animal health emergency throughout its territory after several cases of avian influenza (bird flu) were confirmed.

The country’s minister for agriculture, Carlos Favaro, declared a state of zoosanitary emergency due to cases of the H5N1 strain of the virus in wild birds.

The state of emergency will be in place for 180 days, and is described as a measure “to prevent the disease from reaching subsistence and commercial poultry production, as well as to preserve fauna and human health”.

Favaro said that the declaration of the state of emergency makes it possible to mobilise funds to control the disease, and to co-ordinate efforts with other government departments, local governments at various levels, and non-governmental organisations.

“This whole process is to ensure the workforce, logistics, financial resources and technological materials necessary to carry out emergency actions aimed at preventing the spread of the disease [are available],” Favaro said.

On Monday (May 22), Brazil’s federal laboratory for agricultural defence, one of the reference laboratories used by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), confirmed three new cases of avian influenza H5N1 in the state of Espirito Santo on the east coast of the country, just to the north of Rio De Janeiro.

That brought to eight the total number of wild bird cases of bird flu in Brazil in recent days, with seven cases confirmed in Espirito Santo and one in the state of Rio De Janeiro.

The country’s agriculture ministry is warning the population not to collect sick or dead birds they find, and to alert the nearest veterinary service.

The emergency order also extends, for an indefinite period, a suspension on exhibitions, tournaments, fairs and other events where birds might be kept in close proximity. This applies to all birds kept in captivity.

The authorities in Brazil have established an emergency operations centre for coordinating, planning, evaluating, and controlling the response to bird flu.

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Avara Foods has proposed closing its Abergavenny site in autumn of this year, which it said would impact “all colleagues based at the site”.

The food business, which supplies chicken, turkey and duck products to retailers, said the Welsh site currently employs over 400 people.

In the coming days, the company said it will begin a collective consultation process with the individuals that are affected by this proposal.

The proposal is a result of a six-month process carried out by the company to assess different potential uses for the Abergavenny site.

This was in a bid to enable its “wider business to compete effectively in the market in the future”.

An Avara Foods spokesperson said: “Regretfully, this process identified that volumes could not be processed more efficiently in other operations with lower capital investment.

“This has resulted in the proposal to close the Abergavenny site.

“This difficult decision has not been take lightly and in no way reflects on the hard-working colleagues.”

The company’s Abergavenny facility was part of the acquisition of turkey processor Cranberry Foods by Faccenda in 2012.

The site runs a “cut and pack” operation, predominantly preparing turkey products, alongside some chicken lines, for retailers.

Inflationary pressure

The company’s spokesperson said that, since the Covid-19 pandemic, it has faced “significant inflationary pressure” in fuel, commodities and labour.

This has driven up pricing and significantly reduced demand for UK-produced turkey in the trail market, they said.

“To maintain a competitive customer offer, Avara has started to reengineer its turkey business to operate a more efficient operational footprint focused on fewer, better invested facilities,” the spokesperson added.

On the consultation of the Abergavenny site closure, the spokesperson said: “The nature of this consultation means that no final decisions have been made and there will be no speculation as to how the process will conclude.”

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Exporters and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) returned to SIAL Shanghai last week for the first time since 2019.

Members of the AHDB export team returned in-person to the event, which was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from May 18-20, 2023, to showcase British pork.

AHDB said the in-person return to the “major” international trade show was welcome, as it provided a platform for exporters’ products to take centre stage in front of existing and new potential clients.

Speaking on the importance of the event, AHDB senior export manager, Susan Stewart said: “SIAL Shanghai is a major event in the international trade calendar, it was exciting for us to be back in person to hold important meetings with both existing and new clients and showcase high-quality British pork.”

British pork in China

According to the AHDB, China remains the UK’s biggest market for pork exports, taking 126,723t worth almost £203 million in 2022.

Latest data from the board shows that pork exports to China were valued at £52 million in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

Although AHDB could not attend the event in-person for the past few years, it applauded its China representative, Holly Chen, for maintaining an “important presence” at the show during the interim period.

Stewart said Chen played a huge part in maintaining AHDB’s presence at the event when UK exporters were unable to travel to SIAL.

“Although this is the first time in four years we have been able to attend the show in person we have maintained an important presence in the interim via Holly Chen, our China representative who works solely for AHDB via the China Britain Business Council,” she said.

“Holly has played a pivotal role in maintaining our presence while the UK-based team and UK exporters were unable to travel to market.

“While the Chinese pigmeat market is in a more challenging position, UK exports to China have remained robust and we can now look forward to building on this to maximise opportunities in this key market.”

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Research scientists at Hiroshima University have developed chicken eggs that they claim “may be safe for people with egg white allergies”.

The scientists have produced an egg called the ‘OVM-Knockout’, which they have said does not include ovomucoid, the protein that causes allergies to egg whites. 

According to the university, researchers developed the eggs using genome-editing technology.

“To use OVM-knockout chicken eggs as food, it is important to evaluate its safety as food,” Assistant Prof. Ryo Ezaki from the Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life at Hiroshima University in Hiroshima, Japan, said.

“In this study, we examined the presence or absence of mutant protein expression, vector sequence insertion, and off-target effects in chickens knocked out with OVM by platinum transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs).”

To develop the modified eggs, researchers needed to detect and eliminate the ovomucoid protein in the egg whites.

TALENs were utilised to target a piece of RNA called exon 1, which codes for specific proteins.

The eggs produced from this technique were then tested to ensure there were no ovomucoid protein, mutant ovomucoid protein, or other off-target effects.

Allergen-free eggs

“The eggs laid by homozygous OVM-knockout hens showed no evident abnormalities. The albumen contained neither the mature OVM nor the OVM-truncated variant,” Ezaki said.

He also explained that the potential TALEN-induced off-target effects in OVM-knockout chickens were localised in the intergenic and intron regions.

According to researchers, the plasmid vectors used for genome editing were only transiently present and did not integrate into the genome of edited chickens.

Assistant Prof. Ezaki said that these results indicated the importance of safety evaluations and revealed that the eggs laid by this OVM knockout chicken solved the allergy problem in food and vaccines.

Safety profile

Researchers have confirmed that they plan to continue to verify the safety profile of the modified eggs.

They said that this is important as some people are highly allergic to specific protein which means that even small amounts of ovomucoid could cause a reaction.

Currently, researchers have determined that the OVM-knockout eggs are “less allergenic than standard eggs and can be safely used in heat-processed foods that patients with egg allergies can eat”.

Assistant Prof. Ezaki said: “The next phase of research will be to evaluate the physical properties and processing suitability of OVM-knockout eggs, and to confirm their efficacy through clinical trials.

“We will continue to conduct further research toward the practical application of allergy reduced eggs.”

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Over two-thirds (67%) of British farmers are not confident about the future of British food production, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted by agri-tech business Hectare, involved over 500 livestock and arable farmers in the UK.

The farmers had improvement doubts related to all aspects of the UK’s food production industry, including food inflation, government support schemes and high input costs.

Only one in 10 livestock farmers predicted production to increase as inflationary pressures ease, and a further 14% of beef, sheep and poultry farmers are concerned inflation rates will rise even higher than their recent peak.

26% of livestock farmers and 33% of grain farmers said the lack of clarity around new government support scheme replacing the EU Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) was their biggest concern.

Additionally, 12% of all farmers surveyed said they are “worried” about the ending of the EU BPS, with 15% of grain farmers in particular concerned about difficulties in forecasting their cashflow over the next year.  

Co-founder of Hectare, Andrew Huxham, said the lack of confidence farmers have for the future of food production is unsurprising given the current issues the sector is facing.

“It’s not surprising British farmers lack confidence in the future of food production – it’s been an uncertain few years for everyone involved,” he said.

“Undoubtedly, many are feeling vulnerable post Brexit now the EU Basic Payments Scheme – seen by many as a base income which helps them weather the peaks and troughs inherent in agriculture – is being phased out.

“Trade deals with countries like Australia and Canada have also raised questions around fairness for British farmers, and how to secure quality and provenance when sourcing large quantities of our produce from overseas.” 

Food production

Huxham urged farmers to not lose hope yet, as he said he does see cause for greater farmer confidence in the UK’s ability to produce food in the future.

“UK farmers should be confident about the future – good food production requires a real desire to produce quality food in a sustainable way that enhances the environment, and farmers are doing a really good job of this already,” he said.

“British farmers are very aware of the fragile environment and decline of species and habitats which has occurred over the decades – they care deeply about the environment and know there are more ways to increase sustainability measures to secure the future of domestic food production, while protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations.” 

Hectare said this desire to increase sustainability measures to secure the future of food production is already being reflected in the “ever-increasing” consumer awareness of where their food comes from and its environmental impact.

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Two people who recently worked on a poultry farm in the UK have tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu).

The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the detection of the two cases of avian influenza A (H5) came about following the introduction of an asymptomatic testing programme for people who have been in contact with infected birds.

The two people returning positive tests are known to have recently worked on an infected poultry farm in England.

Neither had experienced any symptoms of avian influenza and both have since tested negative in follow up tests.

The UKHSA says that detection of avian influenza in poultry workers can follow contamination of the nose and throat from breathing in material on the affected farm, or can be a true infection. It can be difficult to distinguish these in people who have no symptoms.

In these two cases specifically, one individual is likely to have had contamination of the nose and/or throat from material inhaled on the farm, while for the second individual it is more difficult to determine which is the case.

Contact tracing is underway in the case of the second individual.

The UKHSA said that it has not detected evidence of human-to-human transmission and these detections do not change the level of risk to human health, which remains very low to the general population.

Prof. Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor to the UKHSA, said: “Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people.

“However, we know already that the virus can spread people following close contact with infected birds.

“Globally, there is no evidence of spread of this strain from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we remain vigilant for any evidence of changing risk to the population,” Prof. Hopkins added.

In the asymptomatic surveillance programme, poultry workers are asked to take swabs of their nose and throat which are tested for the presence of the virus, during the 10 days after their exposure.

They may also be asked to have a finger-prick blood test to see if antibodies against bird flu can be detected.

The UKHSA follows up on all individuals who have been in contact with confirmed human cases of bird flu, with testing and antivirals offered for those with the highest risk exposure.

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This type of marketplace is a declining retail trend in China as new retail channels such as online shopping and supermarkets grow their market share in the country.

Agriland is in Shanghai, China, as part of the Bord Bia trade mission led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

As part of a retail expedition around Shanghai today (Tuesday, May 16) Agriland paid a visit to a wet market to get a better understanding of how it operates and what products are on offer there.

The markets tend to do most of their trade early in the morning and everything from fish turtles, toads and eel to chicken feet, cattle stomach, beef tongue and pigs tails are all in demand at these wet markets.

Much of the produce is presented very differently here to conventional supermarkets with most poultry sold with heads and feet still on the carcass.

There were over 100 stalls at this particular wet market and each stall had something slightly different or unique to sell.

A look around the wet market:

The customer base is primarily local residents who buy the contents for their meals at these venues. However, the marketplace is becoming less popular with middle income young people in cities, many of whom now prefer to do their grocery shop online or at a supermarket.

Most of the foods on offer at the wet market were raw and the customer generally buys their required produce and cooks it at home themselves.

New retail trends such as bulk buying at the exclusive high-end retailer, Sam’s Place, is becoming more popular with more well-off Chinese residents and this, along with other supermarkets and online food stores are gaining market share from these traditional wet markets.

Stay tuned to Agriland for further updates from the trade mission to China.

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Brazil has confirmed that it has detected cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 (bird flu) for the first time in the country.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) said that the virus was detected in three wild seabirds on the coast of Espírito Santo in the southeast of the country.

The country’s veterinary service began an investigation into the suspected cases last Wednesday (May 10), after concerns were raised by the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals of Cariacica.

Samples were collected and sent to the Federal Laboratory for Agricultural Defense of Sao Paulo, a reference unit of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHOA), which confirmed the H5N1 subtype.

Brazil

Brazil is the world’s main exporter of chicken and is second only to the US in terms of overall production.

According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), Brazilian chicken meat exports reached a record 4.8 million tonnes in 2022.

The country’s ministry of agriculture said that the notification of the virus in wild birds does not affect the status of Brazil as “a country free of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza)”.

It added that other WHOA member countries “must not impose prohibitions on the international trade of Brazilian poultry products”.

Depending on the evolution of the investigation, new sanitary measures may be adopted by the ministry of agriculture and by state agricultural health agencies to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the national poultry industry.

The Brazilian government will also intensify its communications with poultry keepers about the importance of biosecurity measures and the immediate notification of suspected cases of the disease.

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, said that there will be increased vigilance over the bird flu pandemic among the country’s private sector and the entire official veterinary service.

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A recent report which showed that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) IT systems are “outdated” has sparked fresh concerns about African swine fever (ASF).

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, published last week, determined that Defra’s IT systems were “outdated and difficult to use”, as well as being too reliant on paper forms or documents.

Chief policy advisor of the National Pig Association (NPA), Rebecca Veale, said the association and its members are concerned about what the report’s findings might mean for Defra’s ability to prevent and control disease risks – specifically in relation to ASF.

The NPA called on the department to “address the shortfalls of their IT systems” to be adequately prepared for potential disease outbreaks.

“We believe Defra should address the shortfalls of their IT systems in order to be best placed to respond quickly and robustly to control, and then eradicate any notifiable disease outbreak in this country and undertake the important syndromic surveillance work,” she said.

“The avian influenza outbreaks over the last few years have put Defra and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) under continued strain, and we do question their ability to respond to more than one notifiable disease outbreak at a time given their limited resource – a concern that we as NPA have raised on numerous occasions.

“Our key concern is the risk that ASF poses to the British herd given the challenge the disease presents in mainland Europe.”

Veale said that Defra’s main priority should be ensuring that its systems are “fit for purpose” to put the minds of those in agricultural and associated sectors at ease.

Animal disease risk

PAC deputy chair, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, said Defra’s outdated systems cannot continue to operate as they do.

“Defra’s IT systems are so outmoded and disconnected – where they exist at all, instead of paper forms – that in some cases the professionals who keep our food, water and air safe have been forced to buy obsolete equipment just to fill in the forms to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities,” he said.

“We are facing down rapidly spreading animal diseases, maybe the next pandemic, with systems that may rely on moving paper forms around. This cannot continue.  

“We on the PAC will also not accept a situation where Defra spends hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money on a disjointed upgrade programme only to find that it no longer fits the structure of new systems of air quality monitoring, food and clean water supply in this country.

“It’s time for a complete overhaul at Defra, with a concurrent, pro-active digital strategy that matches every step.”

Defra

Defra has said that it is “taking steps” to enhance its cybersecurity and protect its IT systems against threats.

In its response to the report, it said it recognised the “vital importance of cybersecurity” and cited its plans to invest more than £870 million in improving infrastructure and digital systems, reducing its dependency on legacy technology and rolling out new security training.

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The UK’s decision to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could provide long-term benefits for dairy and red meat exports.

This is according to analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which launched its trade modelling work on the UK joining the CPTPP today (Monday, May 15).

The levy board for farmers cited population growth, economic development, and the expansion of middle-class consumers as the drivers for long-term opportunities for red meat and dairy products.

AHDB’s work, done in collaboration with Harper Adams University, revealed potentially expansive benefits in Asian and South American markets, driven by an increased demand for the products.

This follows on from research done by the board last month, which concluded that the CPTPP might help boost exports of UK pork to Mexico.

Opportunities through CPTPP

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on March 31, that the UK would be joining the CPTPP after two years of negotiations.

The 11-member trade bloc will grant the UK access to the same tariff preferences as other CPTPP members.

Further opportunities through the CPTPP for UK red meat and dairy may also be presented by other countries like China, Taiwan, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Uruguay joining the trade partnership with the offering of preferential terms and either the lowering or removing of tariffs over time to other members, AHDB said.

AHDB trade and policy senior analyst, Jess Corsair, said: “The UK’s accession to the CPTPP is very much about playing the long game in terms of the potential benefits it will bring to UK exporters of red meat and dairy products.

“The expansion of the middle class in Asian and South American markets is likely to be a driver for these longer-term benefits for UK exports, reiterating the forecasts in our Prospects for UK agri-food exports analysis launched in January.

“Consequently, while we don’t anticipate any dramatic changes to trade overnight, the forecast increase in demand for pork and beef by 2031 in Japan, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada is encouraging.

“Similarly, opportunities for dairy with significant growth in Malaysia and Japan for butter and cheese, and for skimmed milk powder in Mexico will be areas that the UK can capitalise on.”

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Great Britain’s deadweight pig prices continue to gain momentum, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The deadweight pig prices continued to ascend through April, AHDB said, and the EU-spec standard pig price (SPP) saw “historic highs” as prices ended the month at 219.07p/kg.

AHDB livestock analyst Isabelle Shohet said this brought the monthly average to 217.8p/kg with an average increase of 0.9p/week.

“The weekly increases seen throughout April have been slightly subdued compared to previous months,” she said.

“The EU spec SPP has showed gains of just under 3p over the four weeks of April, and gained nearly 19p over the 17 weeks since the start of the year.”

Shohet explained that the EU-spec APP has seen similar gains, reaching a peak of 219.34p/kg in the week ending April 15.

The week ending April 22 saw a fall of -0.48p, down to 218.86p – the first fall recorded since the middle of February this year.

“This brought the average price for April to just under 219p/kg, with the gap between SPP and APP narrowing further,” Shohet said.

“The week ending April 22 saw near parity between the two price series, a gap of just 0.64p.”

Great Britain’s estimated slaughterings sat at just under 634,000 heads for the month of April which is 93,100 down from the same month last year.

“Average weekly throughputs sat at 158,500 head, down 23,300 head compared to the same weeks last year,” Shohet said.

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This is according to the International Egg Commission’s (IEC) new paper, which examines the considerations and essential components required for bird flu vaccination programmes.

The paper, entitled ‘High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Layers: Considerations and Essential Components for Vaccination and Surveillance‘, aims to help countries looking at vaccination as a means to combat the disease to understand the conditions required to implement a vaccination programme.

The global egg industry representative said the paper was needed because “of the continuous threat that high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) poses to the global egg industry and wider food supply chain”.

Other components of an effective bird flu vaccination programme, according to the paper, are:

• A national or regional vaccine bank;
• Use of only high-quality vaccines to produce a robust immune response to different strains;
• Vaccine testing in birds under field conditions;
• Updating of vaccine antigens should not require a full re-registration of vaccines. A cassette system should be used to allow vaccines to be updated;
• Vaccines should be administered in line with manufacturer’s instructions;
• Individual birds should be given the correct number of doses over their lifetime, usually a minimum of two;
• Vaccinated flocks should be monitored regularly for immune response to vaccination;
• The programme’s effectiveness should be continually reviewed.

The IEC said the paper, developed by its avian influenza global expert group, explains “very clearly the advantages of vaccination against the disease, as well as ways to overcome potential barriers to vaccination”.

Discussing the development of the paper, chair of the avian influenza global expert group Ben Dellaert said: “The potential for vaccination to play a role in HPAI prevention and emergency management in layer hens has been discussed widely in recent months, as the global poultry industry continues to face unprecedented levels of avian influenza.

“The development of this new paper will support countries considering vaccination, as an additional tool for prevention and emergency management of HPAI in layer hens, to establish and implement a successful vaccination and surveillance strategy.”

As well as defining the essential components of an effective bird flu vaccination programme, the new paper also explores how to conduct infection surveillance within vaccinated flocks.

This will allow for continued trade of poultry and poultry products as stipulated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

“Alongside robust biosecurity, vaccination can be an important additional tool for preventing and managing HPAI,” Dellaert said.

“I would like to thank the members of the avian influenza global expert group for developing this important paper which will support countries to implement effective vaccination strategies to protect our industry from the devastating consequences of HPAI.”

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The Wynnstay Group plans to combine its poultry feed and pullets offering into one focused poultry brand. 

The group will combine the Humphrey Feeds & Pullets business together with its poultry feed and pullets offering.

Wynnstay acquired Humphrey Feeds & Pullets, which was originally based in Hampshire, in March 2022.

The combined poultry operation of the businesses will be under the brand ‘Wynnstay Humphrey Feed & Pullets’ and will bring the poultry teams of both companies together.

The company supplies poultry feed and point-of-lay pullets to farmers and manufactures in the region of 11,000t on poultry feed annually.

Chief executive of the Wynnstay Group, Gareth Davies, said the Humphrey business has integrated well since its acquisition last year, and it has “become clear” that bringing the two brands together offers “a sustainable, high quality package of products, services and advice for our poultry customers”.

“The combined businesses have over 190 years of experience within the feed sector, and together we can advance our offering further for the benefit of our customers,” he said.

“This is increasingly important as the poultry sector continues to consolidate with the increased demands of retailers and packers.

“We must continue to develop as a business, ensuring we invest in new technology, product development and operational efficiency.”

Humphrey Feeds & Pullets was established in 1932 and manufactured from a leased facility in Twyford, Hampshire, as well as having an unused facility in Calne, Wiltshire.

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The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) has said that its free range egg show will be bigger than ever before.

BFREPA Live 2023: The Free Range Egg Show will take place on November 15, 2023, at the Telford International Centre.

The association has said that this year’s event will replace its conference, re-shaping the format into a one-day show with the Free Range Awards dinner taking place in the evening.

BFREPA events manager Kate Dickinson said BFREPA Live 2023 is set to be the association’s biggest and best event yet.

“BFREPA Live 23 is set to be our best event yet with a new venue, new format, and more stand space than ever before,” she said.

“This is an opportunity to come together as an industry and celebrate all the positive things we have achieved, as well as finding long-term solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges.”

The event is run in partnership with Noble Foods and is sponsored by ForFarmers, Elanco and Newquip. Workshops and seminars will be run throughout the day on the most topical issues affecting egg producers and the wider supply chain.

This year’s Free Range Awards are expected to see over 400 guests in attendance, which is nearly 30% more than in previous years, BFREPA said.

Nominations for the Free Range Awards are currently open, with nine categories including producer of the year, national food business of the year, free range champion and lifetime achievement award.

Tickets can be obtained via the BFREPA website.

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A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed at a premises near Montgomery, Powys, Wales.

The disease was confirmed in commercial poultry yesterday (Sunday, April 23) and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

This is the first case of bird flu in Wales since the lifting of the bird flu housing measures last Tuesday (April 18).

While the premises is in Wales, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said that the disease control zone extends into England.

A surveillance zone in England has been declared for the portion of the 10km surveillance zone surrounding the premises which extends into England. A 3km protection zone has also been declared around the site.

Wales’ last case of the disease was recorded on April 13, at a site near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys, and, before that, February 12 in the same area.

Housing measures

The mandatory bird flu housing measures were put in place in November 2022, as the UK was battling its largest-ever outbreak of the highly pathogenic disease.

Since the lifting of the measures, the UK government and animal welfare charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have issued warnings to birdkeepers to follow biosecurity measures.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss warned birdkeepers that they should still practice good biosecurity.

“Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe,” she said.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action.

“However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

The government said that the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks

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The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is seeking more pork export opportunities in the Chinese market, with members exhibiting at the China International Meat Industry Exhibition (CIMIE).

The board is aiming to use the event, which has been running since Thursday (April 20) and is finishing up today (Saturday, April 22), to help it boost exports of UK pork to China which are up 28% in value on the same period of time last year.

AHDB’s export team has returned to the event for the first time since November 2019 due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions.

AHDB also said that further five exporters from the UK will join it on the British Meat Pavilion at China’s leading trade show for meat, SIAL China, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

The three-day show, which will host around 4,500 global exhibitors and over 150,000 visitors, runs from May 18-20, 2023.

According to the latest figures from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in January, almost 11,000t of pig meat was shipped to China, worth more than £18.5 million.

The UK exported over 126,000t of pig meat to China last year worth £203 million – resulting in China remaining the leading market for UK pork exports, AHDB said.

AHDB’s head of Asia Pacific, Jonathan Eckley, said: “We are excited to be returning to China with our pork exporters for two major events which provide a platform to promote our pork, whilst developing and maintaining relationships with buyers across Asia.

“China remains the largest export market for our pork products and it’s imperative that we continue to build all important relationships with key importers, as face to face meetings are particularly important in China.

“It will be fantastic to be able to host the UK’s leading exporters in person in China for the first time since November 2019 and reconnect with our in-market stakeholders and showcase ‘Quality Pork from Britain’ at these professional industry shows, to find further opportunities to grow our shipments.”

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The UK’s decision to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could help boost exports of UK pork to Mexico, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said.

The board said the agreement will eliminate the ‘most favoured nation’ tariffs of up to 20% – making Mexico a more attractive market for pork exporters in the UK.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on March 31, that the UK would be joining the CPTPP after two years of negotiations.

The 11-member trade bloc will grant the UK access to the same tariff preferences as other CPTPP members, which exceed the existing bilateral free-trade agreement with Mexico.

AHDB senior exports manager (Americas), Susana Morris, said the Mexican market presents a “fantastic opportunity” for UK pig meat products, especially offal, which it hopes to be exporting soon.

“The Mexican consumer is becoming more conscious about how meat is produced, so animal welfare and sustainability are important.

“The UK is highly regarded for its welfare and food safety standards, so this presents a great opportunity for UK farmers and producers.”

Morris also said that Mexico has a small segment of its population that is considered upper class or wealthy and who are “increasingly searching for high-quality products and willing to pay a premium”.

She said this presents another opportunity for UK pork products.

Mexico

The UK secured market access for pork to Mexico in 2021 following inspections and negotiations lead by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

AHDB said it is currently working in partnership with the government, UKECP and others to gain market access for offal.

According to AHDB, Mexico is the 15th-largest economy in the world and the second largest in Latin America, making it a “hugely important market” for the UK and its exporters.

“The country’s growing population has led to an increased demand for imports, and the economy is set to expand by 35% by 2035. Its location sets it up as a gateway to the Americas and the trans-Pacific region,” it said.

With the aim of further boosting UK exports in the Mexican market, Defra recently appointed Catrina Kenny as a new agricultural attaché based in the UK Embassy in Mexico.

“This is part of wider plans to open up new exporting opportunities in the country and Latin America,” AHDB said.

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Frozen, raw, and uncooked meat products marked clearly as suitable only for sale in their originating EU country were found in retail shops in the UK following recent routine inspections by local authorities.

Further investigations found that these products had been purchased by two importers, linked to over 280 retail outlets in the UK.

The products were exported commercially and properly pre-notified on the UK imports system.

The UK government shared this information in a case study as part of its draft Border Target Operating Model, which sets out a model for border control when importing goods going forward, post-Brexit.

It said that although the products didn’t test positive for African swine fever (ASF), the fact that they reached the UK presents “a serious and immediate threat to the UK pig industry”.

“An outbreak of ASF would be a fundamental threat to the viability of our pig industry,” it said.

‘Unacceptable risk’

The National Pig Association (NPA) has said it is “shocked and concerned” by the government’s “admission on import control lapses” – but “not altogether surprised”.

“We have been saying for a number of years now that the government’s refusal to impose proper checks on EU meat imports poses a massive and unacceptable risk to the UK pork sector,” NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said.

“This is clear proof of that, as set out by the government, which has admitted that this lack of controls means meat that has not been properly inspected and could, therefore, spark a devastating ASF outbreak in the UK has potentially been sold in numerous retail outlets in this country. 

“This will be hugely concerning to all pig producers, whose livelihoods are threatened by this virus. We will be seeking assurances that the government will be taking steps to tighten up its controls, until the new system is fully in place in October 2024.”

Wilson said the NPA will also raise the issue with the National Food Crime Unit.

Imported meat

In the case study, the government said that these goods would not have made it to the UK if sanitary and phytosanitary controls had been in place, “because they would not have been certified for export by a veterinarian in the originating country”.

The new Border Target Operating Model proposes a new approach to sanitary and phytosanitary controls and will be implemented across three milestones between the end of October 2023 and October 31, 2024.

The modelling document is currently in draft form, to allow stakeholders to comment on the proposals before May 15. The final version will then be published in May or early June.

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has warned that bird keepers must continue to follow strict biosecurity measures following the lifting of the avian influenza (bird flu) housing order.

The housing order was lifted on Tuesday (April 18) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The RSPCA said it “strongly recommends” that owners and keepers continue to follow the UK and Welsh governments’ advice for their area.

Poultry expert at the animal welfare charity, Kate Norman, said many birdkeepers will be pleased that they can now let their birds back outside.

“Keeping hens has become increasingly popular in recent years so it’s important that owners follow governmental biosecurity advice, staying vigilant for signs of disease and ill health in their flocks, and seeking veterinary advice if they have any concerns for their birds,” she said.

The RSPCA issued advice to those planning on letting their birds back outside:

• Fence off areas of standing water or ponds that may attract wild birds;
• Check the outside run for any wild bird carcases, feathers or droppings;
• Put measures in place to deter wild birds such as bird scarers, foils and streamers ;
• Keep any food or water under cover so wild birds are not attracted;
• Clean and disinfect objects birds will have access to in the outside run, where possible.

“It’s also important to report any suspected outbreaks of avian influenza to Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs),” Norman said.

“We would encourage all pet poultry owners to register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) so they can contact owners if there’s a disease outbreak in their area.”

As all birds have been housed indoors since November last year, they could become stressed or scared when they are first let outside, according to the RSPCA, so the charity is also urging owners to take steps to make pets feel safer outdoors.

“Giving outside access after so long being housed indoors could be stressful for them at first so it’s important that steps are taken to help your pets transition to life outside the coop once more,” Norman said.

“This includes providing shelter and cover for them to use in outdoor areas to provide a sense of security, and making sure that you’re introducing them to outside areas gradually.”

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Meat dishes are still the most popular in the out-of-home market despite a year-on-year increase in meat-free meals, according to research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

According to AHDB, dishes containing meat, fish and poultry account for the majority of spend in the out-of-home market.

Meat-free meals, including vegetarian and plant-based meals, account for 15.1% of spend in the out-of-home market despite a year-on-year increase of 23.1%.

Despite the year-on-year increase, AHDB said the majority of top dishes are still meat driven, with 97% of burgers being meat or poultry based.

Nearly nine in ten Asian-cuisine meals and 80% of Indian-cuisine meals include meat, fish or poultry and this highlights its “importance” for driving value out-of-home, AHDB said.

Veganism

Despite the increasing popularity of Veganuary (when people attempt to eat plant-based for the month of January), no January increase in meat-free meals in the out-of-home market was recorded this year, according to the AHDB.

AHDB said this may be because it and Kantar’s analysis showed that plant-based foods may come at a higher price.

The average cost of a plant-based meal in the out-of-home market is £7.49, compared with £3.76 for pork, £5.52 for beef and £5.65 for chicken. The average price of a vegetarian meal is £5.06.

Retail insight manager for AHDB, Rebecca Gladman, said: “Amidst the cost-of-living backdrop, consumers will inevitably look for ways to save money. While vegetarian meals are competitively priced, plant-based dishes do come at a premium to pork, beef and chicken.

“Therefore, the main area of risk for the meat category in the out of home market isn’t meat alternatives, but rather dishes that are vegetarian by nature, such as cheese sandwiches and meat-free pizzas.”

AHDB said one of the key differences between meat-free meals and meat, fish and poultry-based meals in the out-of-home market is where they are consumed or bought.

Research from the board shows that meat, fish and poultry meals are more likely to be bought in fast-food restaurants, whereas the popularity of vegetarian sandwiches means meat-free takes a bigger share in coffee shops.

AHDB senior retail insight manager, Kim Heath, said: “Within meat free, coffee shops and cafes have gained at the lunch occasion.

“However, people are still more likely to consume meat, fish or poultry for their main meal, which is typically a more expensive, bigger occasion.

“For meat, fish and poultry to maintain its importance in the out of home market, opportunities lie in further menu innovation.”

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Bird keepers are being reminded to maintain strict biosecurity measures as the housing order for poultry and captive birds is lifted in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland today (Tuesday, April 18).

Mandatory housing measures were put in place in November 2022 in response to the UK’s largest-ever outbreak and spread of avian influenza (bird flu). Similar measures were put in place in the Republic of Ireland and are also lifting today.

However, as of last week, Great Britain’s official risk of poultry exposure to the disease has been reduced from high to medium.

But the Welsh government is reminding that while reduced, the risk of outbreaks remains, and maintaining stringent biosecurity measures offerS best protection.

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine said:

“Rigorous and scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity measures offer the best protection for kept birds against avian influenza.

“Whether keepers have a few birds or a thousand, it is vital the very highest standards of biosecurity are maintained.

“Vigilance is also key, and it’s important any signs or suspicion of avian influenza is reported immediately.”

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force in England and Wales.

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The Welsh government has today (Monday, April 17) announced four new directorial appointments to the board of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).

The four new directors, Caroline Sanger-Davies, Mike Humphreys, Hugh Hesketh-Evans and Vicki Spencer-Francis, will be in their roles for an initial term of three years.

They will be paid a daily rate of £300, reflecting a minimum time commitment of 12 days/yr.

Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales Lesly Griffiths announced the appointments to the board, which is responsible for promoting and developing the Welsh lamb, beef and pork sectors.

“Congratulations to Caroline Sanger-Davies, Mike Humphreys, Hugh Hesketh Evans and Vicki Spencer-Francis on their appointment to the board of Hybu Cig Cymru,” Griffiths said.

“Their knowledge and expertise will be important to HCC’s work to deliver for the Welsh red meat sector such as enhancing marketing, supply chain efficiency and driving forward greater sustainability.”

The new board members replace three who are standing down at the end of their terms of office – Huw Davies, Claire Williams and Melody Chapman.

“I would like to thank Huw Davies, Claire Williams and Melody Chapman for their valuable contributions while on the board, especially through the incredibly challenging Covid-19 pandemic,” Griffiths added.

“They have been key in strengthening HCC and I wish them the very best for the future.

“The organisation has a vital role in ensuring Wales takes advantage of the opportunities ahead of it and skills the new board members possess will help it continue to do this.”

HCC chair Catherine Smith thanked Davies, Williams and Champman for their “commitment and wise counsel” during their time as directors.

“They have helped HCC to navigate changing times, and made a great contribution to establishing a positive vision for the future of the Welsh red meat sector,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside our new board members. They bring a huge amount of know-how and experience, in key areas such as strategic marketing and sustainability, complementing the skills we already have on the board.”

Griffiths also announced the reappointment of John Davies and Gareth Davies for a third term to the board and Prys Morgan and Rhys Davies for a second term.

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Estimated weekly pig slaughterings have hit a new low for the year, according to the National Pig Association (NPA), as the pig price continued its steady ascent.

The EU-spec standard pig price (SPP) increased by a further 1.26p last week to reach 216.74p/kg in the week ended April 8.

The NPA said the latest increase means the index has now risen for 13 consecutive weeks since the start of the year, gaining more than 16.5p in the process.

The SPP currently stands at just under 60p ahead of what it was a year ago, which was a time when pig prices were climbing rapidly, the NPA said.

Alistair Driver of the NPA said: “After the previous week’s rise of 1.44p, the APP, which includes premium pigs, was up by a relatively small 0.49p to 217.13p during the week ending April 1.

“The gap between the two price averages has narrowed to just over 1.6p, an historically small difference, seemingly reflecting a narrowing the gap between Red Tractor and outdoor-bred pigs.

“After slipping back very slightly the previous week, the EU reference price was up by 2.24p to 204.95p/kg during the week ended March 26. Prices were up in most key pig producing nations, except France, with Germany, France and Spain all above the 210p/kg mark.”

Driver said the gap between the EU and UK reference prices narrowed to less than 8p, still “well below typical levels”. In late January, the gap was nearly 30p.

“Feed wheat prices have dropped back slightly over the past few days and were quoted at around £190/tonne for May on April 12. Other costs, including soya and energy, remain high,” he said.

“AHDB estimates continue to show GB slaughtering levels massively below the numbers of 2022 and 2021. Estimated slaughterings during the week ended April 8, at just 145,511, were nearly 9,000 down on the week and the lowest recorded this year.

“The figure was also nearly 45,000 below 2022 levels and 41,000 below the 2021 figure, continuing to highlight the massive drop off in pig availability.”

Average carcase weights, which have been “steady all year” according to Driver, were up slightly to average 89.63kg in the SPP sample in the week ended April 8.

This was 3.5kg below the “backlog-driven” year earlier levels and 1.7kg above the more typical 2021 average for the week.

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