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NEWS
VIEW OUR MONTHLY DIARY TIPS ON THE PUBLICATIONS PAGE
For seasonal advice in the run, in the garden and in the kitchen. And look for help in protecting your flock in the 'protect' section.
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ADVICE TO NEWCOMERS
If you are new to keeping poultry and would like help in chosing your birds, the Henkeepers' Association offers advice for beginners in the Protect section, or email us on info@henkeepersassociation.co.uk. We're happy to help.
THE HENKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION IS ON THE MOVE
The Kitchen Garden, host to the Henkeepers' Association is on the move from Suffolk to Whitstable in Kent. No change to members though, we're still available to help via email on info@henkeeprsassociation.co.uk. Email us with info, news and your imput.
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CURRENT OUTBREAKS OF AVIAN INFLuENZA
Cranbrook East Devon 29/11/23
Isle of Lewis 23/8/23.
Forfar Angus 18/8/23.
A further case at Kirkudbright Dumfries & Galloway 17/8/23.
Two cases at Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire 15//8/23
Kirkudbright Dumfries & Galloway 15/8/23.
Lochcarron, Highlands 10/8/23
Stornaway, Isle of Lewis 9/8/23
Portsoy Aberdeenshire 9/8/23
Elham Folkstone & Hythe Kent 21/7/23
Banff Aberdeenshire 10/7/23.
Bootle Cumbria 1/2/23
At Amgnering West Sussex.1/7/23
COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING'S
PETITION AGAINST FACTORY FARMING 23/8/23
See bit.ly/3URkyue. Read their report proving the link between factory farming, disease and bird flu.
GB-WIDE AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION ZONE LIFTED ON JULY 4th
But poultry shows and gatherings remain banned.
PLANS BEING CONSIDERED BY GOVERNMENT TO VACCINATE POULTRY 25/5/23
So far the Government have resisted vaccination against Avian Flu, despite the fact over 200 million birds have perished, now for the first time Chief Vet has been talking to vaccine manufacturers as an additional tool against the disease.
TWO POULTRY WORKERS TEST POSITIVE FOR BIRD FLU 17/5/23
Although the workers tested positive, they had no symptoms and there is no evidence that there is person to person infection. This is a worrying development that hopefully is being taken seriously by the government.
LOCKDOWN TO END ON 00:01 TUESDAY APRIL 18th
Make sure your biosecurity measures are up to scratch.
FURTHER CASES OF H5N1
25/5/23 Scunthorpe Lincs.
18/5/23 Uckfield East Sussex.
30/4/23 Ringstead Northants & Cantley Doncaster
24/4/23 Montgomery Powys Wales
14/4/23 Newton Powys
Love East Riding of Yorkshire.
RSPB CALLS FOR MORE RESEARCH INTO BIRD FLU 13/4/23.
On The Today Programme on Radio 4 RSPB's Jeff Knott calls for more research. He believes wild birds are treated as the vectors rather than the victims of the disease, and asks for the
the government to think of the situation as a conservation crisis, as huge numbers of wild birds died over the last year. More research into how the disease is spread and whether birds are starting to develop immunity is needed.
Responding, Chief Vet Dr Christine Middlemiss says that though the risk to kept birds is now low, all keepers should continue to maintain high levels of bio security when we let our birds out on April 18th.
She added that they are continuing surveillance with the RSPB and that the death of a woman in China was not from H5N1.
The Henkeepers Association calls for more research into the disease to protect both wild and kept birds and into vaccination to keep flocks safe.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LATEST H5N1 OUTBREAKS
WORRYING NEW SUBSTRAIN OF H5N1 25/2/23.
After the death of a child in Cambodia, scientists continue to model the disease and see if a lateral flow test would pick up the disease in humans.
Promising there is no imminent danger, authorities warn the public not to handle dead wild birds, but to contact the Defra helpline 0345933 55 77.
2/2/23 H5N1 DISCOVERED IN UK MAMMALS
The BBC reports that after 160 million domestic birds culled during this year's bird flu outbreak, over 200 cases have been reported in mammals worldwide.
In the UK there have been 9 cases found in scavengers such as foxes and otters.These cases could theoretically jump to humans, but health experts say the risk to humans is very low, but since 2000, 870 cases have been seen in 21 countries, of these 457 were fatal.
China is vaccinating their flocks and in Europe, the French and Dutch governments are trialing vaccines. Apparently problems arise in exporting vaccinated meat and eggs.
The Henkeepers' Association has always promoted the vaccination of garden hens.
LOCKDOWN IN WALES FROM DECEMBER 2nd
For further info see https://gov.wales/aavasin-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update.
POULTRY LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND FROM 7th NOVEMBER 31/10/22
Housing measures to protect poultry from AI from Monday 7th November at 00:01 extended across the country.
H5N1 AT:
Southwaite, Cumbria 11/3/23.
Appleby-in-Westmoreland, Cumbria 24/2/23.
Thetford Norfolk 21/2/23.
Stirling, Stirling 15/2/23,
Newtown Powys 12/2/23
Appleby in Westmoreland Cumbria 10/2/23.
Newtown Powys 7/2/23.
Crossgates Fife 2/2/23
Grantown on Spey Highland
Clackmannan Clackmannanshire 24/1/23
Tain Highland 21/1/23
Bakewell Derbyshire 17/1/23
Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire
Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk
Cromer Norfolk 12/1/23.
Taverham Norfolk
Leominster Herefordshire 11/1/23
Langwarthby Cumbria 9/1/23.
Fakenham Norfolk 5/1/23.
Diss Norfolk 30/12/22.
Forfar Angus Scotland 29/12/22.
Skirlaugh Yorkshire and Bishops Castle Shropshire 24/12/22.
Ladybank Fife Scotland 22/12/22
Horley Surrey 22/12/22
Near Diss Norfolk 21/12/22.
Hornsea and Pickering Yorkshire.
Forres in Moray Scotland 15/12/22.
Much Marcie, North Herefordshire 14/12/22.
A second outbreak at Redgrave Suffolk 12/12/22.
Redgrave Suffolk 9/12/22.
Banff Aberdeenshire 8/12/22.
Colden Common and Highclere Hants 6/12/22.
Near Dorchester Dorset 2/12/22.
Near Woodbridge in Suffolk30/11/22
Mileham Norfolk 29/11/22
Turiff Aberdeenshire 27/11/22
Napton Warwickshire and Easingwwold North Yorks 23/11/22.
Barnard Castle, Durham 22/11/22.
Turiff Aberdeenshire, Brailsford Derbyshire, Wheaton Ashford Derbyshire, and Ruskington Lincs 21/11/22.
Banff Aberdeenshire and Leyburn N. Yorks 19/11/22
OUNDLE NORTHANTS & BIRDLIP GLOS 16/11/22
DOVERBRIDGE DERBYSHIRE, OUNDLE NORTHANTS & ARUNDLE W. SUSSEX 15/11/22;
HALESWORTH SUFFOLK 14/11/22;
AND AT COLKIRK NORFOLK AND BERKSWELL WEST MIDLANDS 12/11/22.
OUTBREAK NEAR HATTON DERBYSHIRE, WYMONDHAM NORFOLK; HALE CHESHIRE, NORTHALLERTON NORTH YORKS & TATTENHALL CHESHIRE 9/11/22.
CHIEF VET DR CHRISTINE MIDDLEMISS ON TODAY PROGAMME THIS MORNING 7/11/22
Asked about existing vaccine, used to protect zoo birds, Middlemiss said the vaccine was not effective, but that research was underway and a live active discussion. She repeated housing reduces the threat 2 fold, but that strict biosecurity was v. most effective: washing footwear, keeping food and water undercover, keeping runs vermin-free and reducing flocks direct contact with wild birds.
NEW CASES NEAR FAKENHAM & REEPHAM NORFOLK AND METHERINGHAM LINCS 7/11/22.
FURTHER CASES NEAR TURRIFF ABERDEENSHIRE, 6/11/22; ATTLEBOROUGH NORFOLK, HALESWORTH SUFFOLK AND LANCASTER LANCS 4/11/2 AND CUMNOCK AYRSHIRE & KIRHAM LANCS 5/111/22..
NEW CASES IN BOSTON LINS AND TAVERHAM AND DEREHAM NORFOLK 3/11/22.
DEFRA'S POLICY ON VACCINATION 2/11/22
We contacted Defra to see if there was any change in their vaccination policy and to ask for a vaccine for small scale hen keepers. They replied that it was not currently permitted. Only zoos or collections holding a current zoo licence can apply..
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H5N1 IN MUCH HOOLE LANCS, THORESBY LINCS AND THIRSK YORKS 3/11/22.
NEW CASES HUNTLEY IN ABERDEENSHIRE, AT SAXMUNDHAM SUFFOLK, TWO MORE AT MUCH HOLE LANCS AND A FOURTH AT NORTH SOMERCOTES LINCS 30/10/22.
A FOURTEENTH CASE NEAR ATTLEBOROUGH & A SECOND AT MUCH HOOLE LANCASHIRE 29/10/22.
CASE CONFIRMED AT WALTHAM ON THE WOLDS LEICESTERSHIRE 28/10/22.
NEW CASES 27/10/22
Dereham and Stalham Norfolk, North Somercotes Lincs and Much Hole Lancs.
2 NEW CASES DEREHAM, ANOTHER AT TAVERHAM & ONE NEAR FELTWELL IN NORFOLK. ALSO AT ALMWICH ANGLESEY WALES AND AT AMESBURY WILTSHIRE 24/10/22.
MORE CASES IN GOOLE YORKSHIRE, AYLSHAM NORFOLK & WOODHALL SPA LINCOLNSHIRE 12/10/22.
CASES IN ATTLEBOROUGH & TAVERHAM NORFOLK AND HALESWORTH SUFFOLK 22/10/22.
H5N1 IN MUNDFORD & LONG STRATTON NORFOLK 21/10/22.
NEW CASES 20/10/22.
5th premisses Dereham, Norfolk.
4th at Wymondham Norfolk
Beverley Yorkshire
Leyland Lancashire.
TODAY'S NEW CASES 19/10/22.
5th premises near Mundford Norfolk, Dereham and Feltwell Norfolk and Billingshurst West Sussex.
ALL KEEPERS OF MORE THAN 500 BIRDS TO FOLLOW STRICT BIOSECURITY MEASURES 17/10/22.
Check the defra website for details.
*All keepers should practice good biosecurity measures, cleaning and disinfecting clothing and equipment.
*Keep a close eye on your flock and seek advice from a vet if you're worried.
*Prevent access to watercourses and ponds
*Keep geese and ducks separate from other poultry.
*Feed your birds undercover away from wild birds.
*Report dead wild birds to Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77.Do not touch.
*These measure do NOT at present include a lockdown, unless you live in Norfolk, Suffolk or parts of Essex.
FURTHER CASES 17/10/22.
Dereham, Attleborough and Fakenham Norfolk.
Needham Market Suffolk.
Audlem Cheshire
Dwyran Anglesey
Wymondham and Feltwell Norfolk.
LATEST CASES 15/10/22
In Tankerness Orkney, Leigh Sinton in Worcs, and Wymondham and Hingham in Norfolk.
NEW CASES IN SCOTLAND, ESSEX & NORFOLK 13/10/22 & 14/10/22.
At Great Brenera on the Isle of Lewis, Witham& Kelvedon Essex, an eleventh case near Attleboroough and a fourth near Mundford in Norfolk.
DR CHRISTINE MIDDLEMISS SPEAKS ON BBC RADIO 4'S TODAY PROGRAMME 12/10/22
After a most unusual year, with outbreaks occurring throughout summer, we must expect more infections now that the colder weather is setting in and migrating wild birds are arriving.. It is 'very concerning'. Dr Middlemiss explained a national lockdown was possible.
LOCKDOWN IN NORFOLK,SUFFOLK & PARTS OF ESSEX SEE https://www.gov.uk/bird-flu 12/10/22.
NEW CASES IN CAMBS, LANCS & NORFOLK 12/10/22.
At Soham Cambs, Watlington, Dereham and Attleborough in Norfolk and K?irkham Lancs.
MORE CASES IN NORFOLK 11/10/22
Further cases near Mundford, Attleborough and Holt. All bird keepers in Norfolk should be following biosecurity measures.
VISIT https://www.gov.uk/bird-flu FOR RESTRICTIONS IN NORFOLK, SUFFOLK AND PARTS OF ESSEX.
FURTHER OUTBREAKS NEAR BURY ST EDMUNDS SUFFOLK AND MALDON ESSEX 9/10/22
BBC REPORT THAT ALL POULTRY IN NORFOLK, SUFFOLK AND PARTS OF ESSEX TO BE KEPT UNDERCOVER 8/10/22.
As from Wednesday all birds in this area must be kept undercover due to increases in cases of H5N1. 61 cases have been reported this year - as opposed to 26 in 2020/21 and 48 million birds have been culled. For further information visit the DEFRA website.
INCREASE IN H5N1 CASES
APHA has recently confirmed new cases near Kelvedon Essex, Attleborough Norfolk, Frome Somerset and Chedddleton Staffordshire.
Pleas make sure you keep your birds safe, and plan for them to be confined to their runs soon.
H5N1 AT MUNDFORD NORFOLK 7/10/22
FIFTH CASE CONFIRMED INEAR ATTLEBOROUGH NORFOLK 6/10/22.
NEW CASES IN HADLEIGH SUFFOLK & FARRINGDON OXFORDSHIRE 5/10/22.
NEW BOOK BREATHLESS BY DAVID QUAMMEN ON HOW VIRUSES MUTATE FROM ANIMALS TO HUMANS AS WE DISRUPT ECOSYSTEMS
Reviewed and interviewed on the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, author Quammnen talks of the lessons that must be learned from this corona virus, the money that must be spent so we are prepared.
He mentions the next pandemic will probably come from avian influenza. There are 35 million domestic chickens on the planet - a great petrie dish that could mutate to those who work in the industry.
Interesting read for all those who keep poultry published by Simon & Schuster.
H5N1 CONFIRMED AT PREMISES NEAR KIDSGROVE STAFFS 3/10/22.
THREE FURTHER CASES IN EAST ANGLIA 2/10/22
At a second premises near Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, and at a third and fourth near Attleborough Norfolk.
NEW CASES:
SELBY NORTH YORKS 29/9/22
H5N1 IN ATTLEBOROUGH NORFOLK 28/9/22.
NEW CASES IN HADLEIGH SUFFOLK & POULTON_LE_FYLDE LANCS 25/9/22.
CASES IN NORFOLK: NORTHWOLD, KING'sLYNN & WEST NORFOLK 24/9/22.
ANOTHER CASE OF H5N1 at HONINGTON SUFFOLK, and ONE AT EASINGWOLD NORTH YORKS 23/9/22
INCREASE IN OUTBREAKS OF H5N1 21/9/22
APHA reports outbreaks of the disease in Dartington Devon, Honington Suffolk, Attleborough Norfolk and near Bury St Edmunds Suffolk.
NEW OUTBREAKS IN MILFORD HAVEN PEMBROKESHIRE WALES 10/9/22 AND CREWE CHESHIRE 16/9/22 and BURY ST EDMUNDS SUFFOLK 18/9/22
RSPB FEARS FOR WILD BIRD POPULATION 7/9/22
In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Martin Fowley of the RSPB reports that over 60 different species of wild birds have been affected with bird flu. There is increased worry for this winter with returning migrator as the disease moves to wading species.
The RSPB is calling for clearer messaging, better testing, more research and the setting up of an expert group to include the RSPB.
If you find dead birds, report to DEFRA
7/9/22 OUTBREAKS CONFIRMED IN BRIDLINGTON YORKSHIRE & HEYBRIDGE ESSEX
6/9/22 CASE CONFIRMED IN ARTHOG GWYNEDD WALES
OUTBREAKS IN SOUTH MOULTON DEVON AND HOLT NORFOLK 4/9/22
OUTBREAKS IN PAIGNTON DEVON AND CONSTANTINE CORNWALL 30/8/22
H5N1 IN BRIDLINGTON YORKSHIRE 28/8/22
BIOSECURITY PLANS FOR AUTUMN 2022
Because of increased outbreaks of Avian flu in the kept and wild bird population it is inevitable that our flocks will be kept undercover for a longer period this autumn and winter.
Plan now to increase your Hen run. an undercover annex that you can let your flock into at a regular time every day will give them something to look forward to - a small change of scene - ideally with grass, would be great.
Extend your existing run as far as you can, covering the roof with netting to keep wild birds out and making sure their food and water are kept under cover.
The increased cost of eggs may be encouraging you to extend your flock size as well, but think twice: do you have enough space for extra hens?
If your birds are used to free-ranging, gradually reduce the amount of time they're allowed out, because a life undercover is very different.
Let us know about any changes you have made that make life better for your flock.
BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN NEWLYN CORNWALL 20/8/22
For further info see https://www.gov.uk/bird-flu.
THIRD OUTBREAK IN DEVON< NEAR CULLOMPTON 26/8/22 AND TIVERTON 11/8/22.
OUTBREAK OF AI IN ASHBURTON TEIGNBRIDGE DEVON 5/8/22.
UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS OF BIRD FLU AND DEATHS IN WILD BIRD POPULATIONS 2/8/22
As reported on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, a new variant of AI has devastated seabird breeding colonies off the coast of Scotland, from Shetland to the Faro Islands. The National Trust and other bird sanctuaries are closing their doors to the public.
As the breeding season closes, surviving birds will leave the islands to travel all over the world, probably spreading the disease. There are worries that it might have spread to other species including seals and foxes.
Chief Vet Christine Middlemiss reports that this has been an unprecedented season that has lasted longer and there are worries for birds when they migrate back in the Autumn. Additional funding and research is taking place. Vaccines are already available for zoo animals, but like the human flu vaccine, results are variable.
AVIAN FLU FOUND AT A PREMISES AT SANDY BEDFORDSHIRE 28/7/22
CASE OF H5N1 CONFIRMED IN DARTINGTON DEVON 22/7/22
H5N1 CONFIRMED IN PREMISES NEAR BIRSAY, ORKNEY 6/7/22 AND IN TIVERTON DEVON 8/7/22.
AUTHORITIES NOW LOOKING INTO VACCINATION OF KEPT BIRD TO COMBAT AVIAN FLU 4/7/22
Reported on Radio 4's Today Programme this morning, Chief Vet Dr Christine Middlemiiss described worldwide high levels of avian flu as the worst so far.Solutions of control zones for kept birds will continue and authorities are looking into vaccination again.
CONTINUING OUTBREAKS OF AI IN ROTHER & BEXHILL IN E.SUSSEX 22/6/22
DEFRA FUNdS CONSORTIUM 1.5 MILLION TO RESEARCH BIRD FLU 20/6/22
This season's outbreak has been the longest and widest ever, starting earlier leading to over 100 cases.
OUTBREAK IN SEABIRDS AT RSPB MINISMERE 20/6/22
WORRYING NEWS OF LARGE NUMBERS OF WATERFOWL AND SEA BIRDS CONTACTING BIRD FLU 10/6/22
Reported on the Today programme BBC radio 4 large flocks of sea birds in the north of Britain found to have been sufferiing from Avian flu. Bird monitors calling for more research, disease precautions and monitoring.
CASE OF AVIAN FLU IN NOTTINGHAMSHHIRE 8/5/22
Even though lockdown is over, please be aware that the virus has not disappeared. A case has been reported in Lowden, Notts. Please maintain biosecurity measures.
LOCKDOWN OVER FOR POULTRY ON MONDAY MAY2nd
If you are outside any protection zone, you can let your birds out on May 2nd provided you adhere to all biosecurity measures in keeping your flock's food and drink away from wild birds. For
further information, see https://www.gov.uk.
At last!
KEEP YOUR HENS HAPPY
With the possibility of free range poultry having to spend their time undercover, possibly till Easter, we thought we'd re-iterate our tips on how to keep them amused during lockdown.
*Make sure the run floor is kept dry and safe with a covering of hardwood chips.
Add the contents of late grass/leaf mowings to scratch through.
*We've used old corrugated iron panels and leftover plastic double glazing panels to line the outside of the run to provide shelter from the prevailing wind.
*Large branches make good perches and keep hens off the ground.
*Straw bales can be used for shelter and perching.
*Try adding a small compost heap for garden waste for your flock to catch through.
*Feed your birds whole sweetcorn cobs, hang up bunches of greenery, veg from the garden that has gone to seed and seed balls.
*I've dug a piece of turf from the end of the garden so they have grass. The area can be re-seeded in the spring.
*Make sure your birds have a dust bath undercover. Fill with sandpit sand and wood ashes.
*Keep a wipeable chair in the run and spend a little time with your flock. They'll be missing you as well.
BIRD FLU IN DERBYSHIRE 23/4/22
Outbreak in Ilkeston Derbyshire
TWO OUTBREAKS IN DEVON 14/4/22
Tedburn St Mary Teignbridge Devon
OUTBREAKS IN SUFFOLK AND SOMERSET 8/4/22
Eye Suffolk
Ilminster Somerset.
LATEST OUTBREAKS 7/4/22
Newton St Cyres Devon
Ely Cambridgeshire
LATEST OUTBREAKS OF H5N1 21/3/22
Woodbridge Suffolk
Beth Ayrshire
Market Weston Suffolk
NEW EGG LABELLING 19/3/22
As from March 21st all previously labelled freerange eggs will be labelled as barn eggs from hens kept undercover to protect them from avian flu. We were hoping this date might have been freedom day for all our hens, but it looks as though lockdown is due to continue. Hopefully we will hear more from Defra soon.
LOCKDOWN NEWS 17/3/22
News from Defra via BHWT that it looks as though our hens are unlikely to be allowed out soon. Usually the 16 week deadline for freerange suppliers to have to change their labelling from 'freerange' to 'barn' , heralds their liberation. However, this year the high number of cases seems to have tipped the balance over the costs of re-labelling. Hopefully, Defra will issue a statement soon.
RECENT OUTBREAKS 12/3/22
Redgrave Suffolk
Colliieston Aberdeenshire
Redgrave Suffolk.
OUTBREAKS CONFIRME
D IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS 26/2/22
Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire
Holy Island Northumberland
Wooler Northumberland
Newtown Powys
Welshpool Powys
Blaydon Tyne and Wear
Ledbury Herefordshire
OUTBREAK OF H5N1 IN HUMAN IN DEVON 7/1//22
APHA have informed us that there has been an outbreak of H5N1 in a duck keeper who lives in Devon with his large flock of Muscovy ducks. This is a very rare occurrence, and they insist that the outbreak has been contained, is a very rare occurrence and that poultry keepers need not worry, provided they stick to bio-security measures mentioned on their website, washing hands, wearing separate footwear and not allowing visitors to their poultry premises.
FURTHER OUTBREAKS OF H5N1 7/2/22
9th & 10th outbreaks at Alford Lincs
Eton in Berkshire
Maplethorpe Lincs
Louth Lincs
Romsey Hants
Wallington Norfolk
North Somercotes Lincs
Helsely Cheshire
NEW H5N1 OUTBREAKS 17/12/21
Middleton-in-Teeside Durham
A second outbreak near Pocklington Yorkshire
A fourth and fifth at Alford Lincs
Wem Shropshire
Market Bosworth Leicestershire
At a ninth premises near Thirsk Yorks
At a sixth and seventh near Alford Lincs.
NEW OUTBREAKS OF H5N1 13/12/21
Further cases over the past week in Sudbury Suffolk
8 at Thirsk North Yorks
Allerdale Cumbria
Annan and Moffat Dunfries and Galloway
Swindon Wiltshire
Clifford Herefordshire
Washington Tyne and Wear
3 at Alford Lincs
Wellington Derbyshire
CHIEF VET "VERY CONCERNED" AT LEVELS OF BIRD FLU 9/12/21
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said on the Today Programme that she was concerned that there had been so many outbreaks - 40 affected premises - so early in the season. More than 1/2 million birds have been culled.
Keepers are urged to follow biosecurity rules and to feed wild birds well away from kept poultry.
FURTHER OUTBREAKS FROM APHA 6/12/21
Barrow upon Soar Leicestershire
Clitheroe Lancashire
7 premises at Thirsk North Yorks
Tutbury Staffordshire
Leominster Herrefordshire
Newent Gloucestershire
FLOCKDOWN IN PLACE FROM MONDAY 29th NOVEMBER
Notification from APHA to all keepers of poultry in GB to house their flocks away from wild birds. Visit the Defra website for further instructions.
FURTHER OUTBREAKS OF AVIAN FLU 22/11/21
At Wells-next-the-Sea North Norfolk
Pokes down Poole
Wellington Derbyshire
Silecroft Cumbria
Mouldswortth Cheshire
North Cambridge Essex
Thirst North Yorks
Chester Cheshire
It's important all keepers in these areas house their birds or there will be more outbreaks.
More info available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
APHA reports outbreaks in Frinton on Sea Essex,2 premises Fylde Lancashire, and Hambleton North Yorks. It will just be a matter of time before lockdown for hens is prescribed. Have a look at our suggestions below this time last year..
POULTRY SHOWS BANNED FROM 8/11/21
APHA has banned poultry and bird shows from Monday November 8th. For more info visit the DEFRA website.
BIOSECURITY ALERT FOR FLOCKS ACROSS GREAT BRITAIN 3/11/21
All food and drink should be kept away from contamination from wild birds, movement of flocks is to be limited and hens kept apart from waterfowl.
Birds are still allowed out, but visit the Defra website for instructions https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
NEW OUTBREAKS OF AVIAN FLU H5N1 FOUND IN CHIRK WREXHAM IN WALES AND WYCHAVON WORCESTERSHIRE 2/11/21
The usual controls have been put in place. Now is the time to review your preparations for possible restrictions on poultry ways of life. For more details visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
POULTRY GATHERINGS 14/5/21
APHA has announced that the ban on poultry gatherings will be lifted tomorrow.
NEWS
2/4/21 H5N8 FOUND IN CAPTIVE BIRDS NEAR SKELMERSDALE IN LANCASHIRE
1/4/21 LOCKDOWN LIFTED
APHA informs us that although the poultry lockdown has been lifted and our hens can now go out into the garden, there is still avian flu in the environment. Check their website www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu for their mandatory biosecurity guidance and help keep your birds safe.
28/3/21 OUTBREAK AT COMMERCIALBROILER FARM IN STAFFS
H5N8 at a farm near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire.
27/3/21 OUTBREAK AT TURKEY BREEDERS NEAR CHESTER
Hopefully this doesn't affect poultry being let out on March 31st.
HURRAH. LOCKDOWN ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON MARCH 3!st
NO NEWS
Still no news from APHA or DEFRA as to when we can let our hens out. We have written to both with no effective reply, so have sent an email to George Eustace MP asking for a route to lockdown.
PROGRAMME ON RADIO 4
Interesting series The Jump about how viruses spread from one species to another. 17/3 features Bird flu. Listen to the whole series on BBC Sounds or iplayer.
12/2/21 OUTBREAK IN SCOTLAND
APHA has sent notice of a case of avian flu in a game bird breeding farm in Leven Glenrothes.
7/02/21 NEW CASE
Outbreak in commercial laying flock in Redcar Cleveland
28/1/21 NEW CASE
APHA has announced a new outbreak of avian flu at premises in Anglesey Wales. This is the first case this month, let's hope it's not the first of many.
NO PLANS TO LIFT HOUSING ORDERS 21/1/21
The Henkeepers' Association has contacted APHA For advice as to when the poultry lockdown may be lifted. They reply "'The protection zone and housing order will remain in force indefinitely due to the unpredictable nature of the outbreak, therefore there is no set end to the measures."
This is disappointing, especially for those with just a few hens, but they are very keen for us to have the same regulations as all other poultry keepers..
Their biosecurity advice on their website on www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecutiry-advice sets out their orders.
The following advice from us might help keep small flocks healthy and occupied during this inclement weather:
*Hardwood chipping on the run floor can keep the area dry.
*Put in branches and boughs for birds to perch above ground.
*Make windbreaks by using straw bales or wooden sheets around the base of the run.
Scroll through advice below for further lockdown tips.
30/12/20 H5N8 CONFIRMED IN BACKYARD FLOCK NEAR EXMOUTH DEVON
29/12/20 H5N8 FOUND IN DUCK FARM NEAR WATTON IN NORFOLK
27/12/20 H5N8 FOUND IN A CAPTIVE BIRD SITE NEAR ATTLEBOROGH NORFOLK
20/12/20 H5N8 CONFIRMED IN DUCK FARM NEAR ATTLEBOROUGH NORFOLK
H5N1 FOUND IN BACKYARD FLOCKS NEAR HAWES NORTH YORKS & GILLINGHAM DORSET
18/12/20 H5N8 CONFIRMED IN BIRDS ON A FARM ON SANDAY ISLAND IN ORKNEY
For further information see www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza.
H5N8 CONFIRMED IN CAPTIVE BIRDS & POULTRY NEAR WILLINGTON DERBYSHIRE
For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
3/12/20 ALL POULTRY TO BE KEPT UNDERCOVER FROM DECEMBER 14th
Message from Animal and Plant Health Agency: Due to the risk of avian influenza, new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds will come into force on 14/12/20. It will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures. More information at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared.
H5N8 CONFIRMED IN TURKEY FARMS 29/11/20, 4/12 & 6/12
3km and 10km temporary zones are now in place near Northallerton North Yorks, King's Lynn and Attleborough Norfolk.
23/11/20 H5N8 FOUND IN POULTRY & CAPTIVE BIRDS NEAR MELTON MOWBRAY LEICS
Temporary control zones now in place. Biosecurity advice on https:///www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
20/11/20 H5N8 FOUND IN CAPTIVE BIRDS AT NON_POULTRY SITE NEAR STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Control zones are in place locally and all poultry keepers are advised to increase bio-security measures as described on www.gov.uk website.
MORRISONS FIRST SUPERMARKET TO GIVE MONEY TO FARMERS TO CREATE BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR FREE-RANGE HENS
Morrisons supermarket are to give back 1p per egg back to farmers to improve layers' environment by planting trees, and create insect-friendly habitats in their farmland.
12/11/20 AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION ZONE DECLARED IN ENGLAND SCOTLAND AND WALES
Because of an increase in outbreaks of the disease in wild birds and farmed flocks, Defra has introduced measures for all poultry keepers whether you keep them commercially or as pets.
The complete measures can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared
The prevention zone means we must
*Make sure areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, by netting ponds and removing wild bird food sources
*Feeding your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds
*Minimizing movement in and out of your run
*Keep runs clean and disinfect footwear.
AND ALSO IN A BROILER BREEDER UNIT IN HEREFORDSHIRE SEE BELOW
3km and 10 km control zones are in place.
11/11/20 MORE WILD BIRDS FOUND TO BE INFECTED WITH H5N8 IN DAWLISH IN DEVON AND WEYMOUTH IN DORSET
See below for further information on how to report dead wild birds and biosecurity.
H5N8 CONFIRMED IN WILD GEESE NEAR STOUD IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE 10/11/20
For more information including how to report dead wild birds see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
H5N8 CONFIRMED AT HATCHING PREMISES IN CHESHIRE 3/11/20
For advice see below.
LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA H5N2 CONFIRMED IN KENT 2/11/20
APHA has confirmed the disease in a small commercial flock in Deal Kent. For further information http://www.gov.uk/government/news/avain-influenza-bird-flu-identified-at-kent-farm.
A reminder of steps hen keepers should take include:
*Keeping the run clean.
*Controlling vermin
*Cleaning hard surfaces
*Cleaning footwear after visits
*Placing food and water away from wild birds
*Limiting access to ponds and waterfowl.
NOTIFICATION FROM ANIMAL & PLANT AGENCY 9/1/20
Following the outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza H5N3 in a commercial chicken flock in Mid Suffolk on December 10th 2019, the 1 km Restricted Zone has been lifted as surveillance tested has been completed with negative results.
BIRD FLU OUTBREAK IN SUFFOLK 11/12/19
Defra has confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian flu at a broiler breeder unit at Athelington in North Suffolk. 27,000 birds will be culled.
Key signs of Bird Flu from Farmers' Weekly Magazine
*Swollen Head
*Discoloured head and neck
*Loss of Appetite
*Respiratory distress
*Diarrhoea
Call 03000 200 301 is the disease is suspected.
THE FLU VIRUS EXPLAINED
On the Life Scientific on BBC Radio 4 by Wendy Barclay today 30/1/18. Listen again on iplayer.
FROM JANUARY 18th AI PREVENTION ZONE APPLIES TO EVERYONE KEEPING POULTRY IN UK
If you keep poultry you can continue to allow your birds outdoors into fenced areas provided certain conditions are met.
*You have made the area unattractive to wild birds.
*Tou keep your birds' food and water undercover
*You keep the area clean and tidy and free of vermin.
*You cover any ponds.
For further information see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird/flu-in-winter-2017-to-2018.
BIRDFLU OUTBREAK IN WILD BIRDS IN DORSET 13/1/18
For the first time this year, bird flu has been detected and confirmed in wild birds in Dorset.
As usual at this time of the year, all those who keep birds are urged to remain vigilant
GOVERNMENT CHIEF VET BELIEVES SUPERMARKETS DECISION TO GO FOR FREERANGE EGGS IS REGRETTABLE
Nigel Gibbens has caused a furore after saying that keeping hens outdoors puts them at risk of infection and that colony cages 'have a lot going for them'.
In response in a letter to The Times, leading vets replied "Such an endorsement is extremely disappointing. Overcrowding and severe space restrictions are seriously detrimental to welfare.
They believe bird flu could be contained without caging birds. The HA agrees we should be looking for alternative solutions to the problem other than keeping birds undercover.
FREERANGE LAYERS
The EU has announced that commercial free range layers' eggs kept indoors because of AI outbreaks can be labelled free range for a period of 12-16. From www.nfuonline.com
In UK 53% of commercial flocks are free range.
UK ANIMALS NO LONGER CONSIDERED SENTIENT
A recent vote in parliament, narrowly won by the government removes EU status of animals being sentient. This is a blow to the welfare of wildlife, pets and livestock.
There is a petition currently on 38degrees.co.uk.
BIRD FLU PRECAUTIONS FOR 2017
Although Defra have said they will not routinely impose restrictions on poultry keepers this winter, we're advised to stay vigilant and prepared for this eventuality, because now is the time migrating birds arrive.
The main source of the disease is your flocks' food or drink becoming infected by wild birds' droppings. Covering your run with polycarbonate or rigid plastic panels is ideal, but if your run's supports aren't strong enough, bird proof fruit netting from www.harrodshorticultural.co.uk will keep them out.
Feeders and drinkers need to be kept undercover. A old table makes a good cover and your flock can be easily fed underneath.
If your run is small, now would be a good time to enlarge it. A covered extra grassy area for occasional access is a boon for hens used to foraging in your garden.
A dust bath and large branches for your hens to perch on will all help to make life undercover a little less traumatic.
Fingers crossed these precautions will be unnecessary. For further advice, see our posts below or visit the Defra website.
BRITISH ANIMALS NO LONGER RECOGNISED AS SENTIENT BEINGS
Compassion in World Farming warns us that with the repeal of current European Law acknowledging animals' ability to feel pain when we leave the EU, we cannot be sure that future governments will still pay full regard to their welfare. Please go to their website and demand the clause be brought into UK law.
H5N8 IN LANCAShIRE BACKYARD FLOCK 4/5/17
Avian flu has been detected in a small flock near Thornton Wyre Lancashire. Protection and Surveillance zones are in place. See www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu for help in protecting your flock.
NEW BIRD COOPS
Interesting new henhouse design from www.newbirdcoops.co.uk that allows owners to introduce newcomers to their flock without the usual introduction difficulties. A well thought out design that will be useful for those who regularly buy in new birds.
ALL POULTRY ALLOWED OUT TODAY 13/4/17
All poultry is allowed out from today, even those in high risk zones. Normal bio-secirty rules apply.
27/2/17 BIRD FLU UPDATE
Around 80% of free range birds can be let out at the end of February. The remaining 20% are in 'Higher Risk Areas' and restrictions are likely to stay in place until the end of April, but will be kept under review.
To find out if you are in these areas go to gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk. These seem to be mostly coastal areas. The Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens says "In some areas the risk of infection from wild birds is too high. That's why we are requiring birds in higher risk areas to be housed or protected from wild bird contact by netting".
If you are within these restricted areas, from March your birds can no longer be classified as free range if you're selling meat or eggs.
14/2/17 DEFRA UPDATE ON EXTENSIONS TO POUTRY RESTRICTIONS
Go to gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk and put in your postcode to discover which of their three areas you fall into:
A Protection Zone
B Surveillance Zone
C Proposed Higher Risk Zones
A final decision will be made on Feb 28th 2017. To find out what these might entail see www.defra.gov.uk.
DEFRA EXTENDS POULTRY LOCK-IN 6/1/17
After the discovery of H5N8 in a backyard flock in Carmarthenshire, Defra has decreed all free range birds should be kept undercover until the end of February.
We should follow previous instructions to keep our birds away from wild birds and follow disease precautions.
To report infected wild birds, contact Defra on 03459 335577 and to keep up-to-date with Defra's news, see their website www.defra.gov.uk.
KEEPING YOUR HENS HAPPY IN THEIR RUN
Birds that are usually allowed to free range are not happy when kept in their runs.
Make sure you keep them amused with veg and greenery to forage. Tie it in bunches and hang it just above head height, otherwise the leaves will get trampled under foot.
A straw bale or two will provide shelter and offer limited interest. Fat balls and other wild bird food sources make a change.
Make sure the run is cleaned regularly. Hardwood chipping are the best run cover and can be hosed down and raked clean.
Adding thick branches and tree trunks will give your flock more space off the ground.
Hens that usually get their grit from your garden will need to be supplied with grit from the feed merchant.
Make sure your flock has access to a dust bath during this period.
Hopefully, the 30 day undercover period will soon be over.
OUTBREAK OF H5N8 CONFIRMED 17/12/16
5000 turkeys at a farm in Louth Lincolnshire have been diagnosed with H5N8 which is not a risk to humans.
A 3km protection zone and a 10k surveillance zone have been set up.
KEEP POUTRY IN THEIR RUNS7/12/16
Defra has asked poultry keepers to keep their birds inside bird proof runs and make sure all feeders and drinkers are kept undercover away from wild birds for the next 30 days.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BIRDS
*Make sure your birds stay in their run.
*Cover the roof with bird netting
www.harrodhorticultural.com do a light easy netting in different sizes that will cover the run.
*Cover the feed and water station with sheet of ply to prevent bird droppings going into food and water.
*Make sure your birds have adequate greenery - hang bunches of spinach, veg garden clippings etc.
TODAY IS THE START OF WORLD ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS WEEK
End the routine use of antibiotics in farm animals. Take action now and visit the Compassion in World Farming's website: www.ciwf.org.uk/act-on-antibiotics and email the Minister for Health.
FOLLOW LUCY GAVAGHAN's PROGRESS ON HER FACE BOOK PAGE.
Read the industry's response to consumer demand on www.poultryhealthtoday.com, listing the disease and welfare disadvantages to cage-free systems.
UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG'S PROGRESS IN DETERMINING CHICKENS' SEX IN EGG.
The prototypes of this device will be ready by the end of this year, and in production in Germany by the end of 2017. This will determine the sex three days after incubation and automatically remove those eggs from hatcheries for use in industry and there would be no need to kill male chicks after hatching.
TESCO TO END SALES OF CAGED HENS' EGGS
Victory for Lucy Gavaghan's petition on change.org to ban the sale of eggs from caged and barn kept hens from 2025. Brilliant work Lucy. She's working on Morrisons and Asda next. Members know the best way to help is to sign her petitions and buy eggs from supermarkets that already only stock higher welfare eggs.
END THE CAGING OF QUAILS
Compassion on World Farming is starting a campaign to end quail caging. They have less space than a beer mat to Ilve in. www.cwf.org.uk.
BIRD BRAINED?
Reported in the today's 14/6 Guardian researchers have discovered that some birds, especially parrots and corvids have as many or more neutrons in their brains as mammals - even primates.
On-going research will be looking into the brainpower of other birds including chickens.
JOIN US AT THE HENS & GARDENS EVENT AT GREAT COMP
Join breeders and speakers at Great Comp Garden near Sevenoaks in Kent for their open day off Sunday June 19th. For further info see www.greatcompgardens.co.uk.
SUPPORT THE BAN ON FORCE FEEDING DUCKS FOR FOIE GRAS IN FRANCE
Join Compassion in World Farming to protect ducks in France. Sign their petition on www.cwf.org.uk.
BATTERY RESCUE HENS
The Cornish team of BHWT have rescued 500 hens and need homes. Any ideas , call 01884 860 084
INSECTS IN CHiCKEN FEED
BBC Countryfile reported on research into replacing the soya content in animal feed with insects. At the moment, 2/3 of soya for feed is imported from South America. Climate stops us from growing our own. This makes farmers vulnerable to supply and price fluctuations.
In a move for Europe to become self-sufficient, trials in Belgium have been taking place, using dried maggots - the larva of house flies that are milled to powder then added to meal, grain, vitamins and minerals.
Checks are taking place to monitor health and growth, and public opinion is being monitored, currently with about a 75% approval rate.
There are concerns about toxins in insect coming from the environment, and it is currently illegal to feed insects to animals. Obviously birds feed on insects naturally as part of their diet.
The BBC is interested in our opinions. Email or tweet to @BBCcountryfile.
INSECTS IN CHICKEN FEED
We import 35 million tonnes of soya for animal feed from South America, causing problems with de-forestation. Watch BBC1 Countryfile tomorrow 29/11 at 6.20 and find out about plans to use ground maggots mixed with grain as protein content in hen feed.
THE CUBALAYA _CUBA'S NATIONAL BREED
On Radio 4 today 11/10 & on-line searching for Cuba's own chicken breed and the history of the chicken on the Food Programme.
IT"S WORLD EGG DAY
Raise a glass to the most versatile ingredient in your larder!
EGG SHELLS
According to Farmers Weekly, a firm making ready-to-eat hard boiled eggs - really, has invested in machinery that turns egg shells into purified calcium carbonate used widely in fertilisers, saving themselves thousands of pounds in landfill fees.
Make use of your own eggshells by crumbling them and adding to your compost heap to add calcium or sprinkle around the base of tomato, pepper or aubergine plants as fertiliser and to ward off blossom end rot, or to deter slugs and snails.
Bake for ten minutes in a 120C oven, grind and mix with mixed corn for your hens or wild birds.
HEN PARTY AT BENENDEN IN KENT
Poultry Fair on Saturday 16th May, with birds, books, hatching eggs and other goodies for sale. For further details email binsssmh@gmail.com.
RED MITE PREDATOR MITE
www.chickenvet.co.uk is selling traps to check if your house has red mite. If it has then they are also selling a predator mite that will eliminate the problem.
Obviously you have to discontinue insecticidal treatments and remove traps before installing them. Has anyone tried this?
FRANCINE RAYMOND ON BBC RADIO SUFFOLK
The Henkeepers' Association's Francine Raymond will be on Mark Murphy's Breakfast Show March 3rd discussing the art of chicken sexing.
SCRAMBLED EGGS!
Latest advice on cooking scrambled eggs is to not add milk or cream. This can cause dryness and change the texture of your breakfast.
CASE OF H7N8 IN HAMPSHIRE
Case of bird flu has been confirmed in a poultry farm at Upham in Hants. There is no link with the case at a duck farm in Yorkshire in November.
An investigation has been started, the birds have been culled, and there is a 1km poultry movement restriction in place.
Three people are being tested.
ARTICLE ON KEEPING HENS IN GARDENS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE
If you're a serious gardener but still want to keep poultry and give them free range, read Francine Raymond's article in GI magazine.
THE SMARTEST & PRICIEST HEN HOUSES
Chosen by Gardens Illustrated Magazine
*The Chalet from hennypenny.co.uk
*Colonial Style Barn from thehappyhenhouse.com
*Walk-in chicken coop from frame bow.co.uk
*The Highgrove Hen House from highgroveshop.com
*The Chicken Pod from shropshireanimalarks.co.uk
*Maggie's Dozen Henhouse by flytesofancy.co.uk
*Palladian henhouse by birdpavillions.com
*Hen Arch Coop by framebow.co.uk
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CAMPYLOBACTER
News today that 70% of chicken carcasses for sale in supermarkets are tainted with campylobacter bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
All the supermarkets showed cases with Asda the worse affected and Tesco the least.
Advice from www.food.gov.uk suggests the following measures to protect yourself:
*Don't pack chicken next to other cooked or raw meat or fish when you shop.
*Cover and chill raw chicken
*Don't wash raw chicken
*Wash any utensils and surfaces used during preparation
*Wash your hands
*Cook the meat thoroughly checking there is no pink meat and that all juices run clear.
DISEASE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON DUCK FARM
CASE OF BIRD FLU IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
A case of bird flu has been found in a flock of 6000 ducks in the Driffield area of N. Yorks. Defra says it is not H5N1, but the exact strain has not yet been reported.
A 10km exclusion zone has been set up around the village of Nafferton and the birds at the farm are being culled, and the movement of poultry and poultry waste within this area is banned. This is the first case in the UK since 2008.
Defra reports the risk to humans or the food chain is low.
We will report as more news comes in.
18/11
John Oxford, emertus professor of virology at University of London says that there have been recent outbreaks of H5 in Germany, Holland and now in UK. "In no case, in none of these countries has there been any serious human infection."
The 6000 ducks at Nafferton continue to be culled.
18/11
The strain of bird flu found in the flock of ducks at Nafferton has been confirmed to be H5N8 which is considered to not be dangerous to humans.
CASE OF H5N8 REPORTED IN NETHERLANDS 16/11/14
TV COMPANY LOOKING FOR FAMILIES
Betty, a TV production company is looking for families who would like to live more self-sufficient lifestyles - for a programme they're developing.
Do you live in town and long to reconnect with the food on your family's plate? Are you in the process of converting tour outdoor space into a garden farm to sustain a veg patch, chicken coop or even a cow?
Are you trying to press apples, brew beer or preserve fruit and veg from home? If so, then email meg.barnard@betty.co.uk
VETS WITH POULTRY EXPERTS
Send us details of any vets you can recommend with experience and training as Chicken Vets.
Toachim House Veterinary Surgery in Faversham Kent have a Chicken Vet, see www.thvs.co.uk.
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
Catch up with me @FrancineHens
ANTIBIOTICS IN FARM ANIMALS
Professor David Heymann on Today Programme on Radio 4 said that half of all antibiotics used in the UK are given to livestock - often on a preventative basis, leading to evolution of resistance. see www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04max12.
Both the Soil Association and Compassion in Farming are running campaigns to stop unnecessary use of antibiotics.
NEW BOOK
Chickens as Pets is new from Andrew Hinkinson. Nicely set out with plenty of sound advice for those who want to give their birds happy healthy lives. From Spellbinding Media.
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER FROM YOUR CHICKENS MAGAZINE
A special offer to all Henkeepers' Association members from Your Chickens Magazine. Try 3 issues for just ?3.
Your Chickens is a monthly magazine for the back garden chicken keeper. Full of tips, advice and real life stories of people who have joined the poultry keeping boom.
To try 3 issues today visit www.subscriptionsave.co.uk or call 0844 848 8056 quoting the code VYCHKA14.
This offer ends 30/12/14.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Or DE is the fossilised remains of plants, ground into a powder that controls parasite infestations, causing them to de-hydrate and die. It has proved successful with red mite, fleas and lice. Available from www.wigglywigglers.co.uk.
BOKASHI-BASED FEEDS
www.wigglywigglers also sells a range of bokashi active gran based mash and pellets for growers and layers.
A NEW BOOK FROM THE KITCHEN GARDEN
Francine Raymond has written a book charting her move from Suffolk to the seaside. She describes converting a bungalow, planting an orchard, and starting again with chickens from scratch.
With over 400 colour photos by Victoria Spofforth and packed with seasonal recipes, Flying the Coop offers hope to other downsizes and is available from www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk or your local bookshop
BEWARE FOXES!
Foxcubs are born between February and April. Watch out for hungry foxes. They can be more daring than usual during this period and will often come into gardens during the day.
Make sure your run is safe, and clear away any bird food, hen feed, or composted food which may attract them.
BEST COVERING FOR A WET RUN
www.flytesofancy.co.uk sell packs of hardwood chip pings to lay on the floor of the chicken run. It is hardwearing, hygienic and easy to clean with a hose.
THE CO-OP RENEGS ON ITS COMMITMENT
The Co-operative - formerly a Superhero of ethical supermarkets - is reneging on its commitment to higher welfare conditions for chickens.
Compassion in World Farming has stripped them of their Good Chicken Award.
Call on them to change their minds by contacting www.ciwf.org/coopchicken.
COLD WEATHER HENS
Best to organise the winter run before the weather changes for the worst.
*Make sure your access is safe with roll up paths and non-slip surfaces.
*Insulate the house with layers of newsprint under the bedding.
*Block the path of the wind with straw bales.
*Make sure there is shelter if snow is expected with straw bales and an old door.
*Keep water in an old plastic bowl that's easy to knock out if the contents are iced. Top up if the weather is really icy.
MRSI IN POLTRY
The first case has been found in turkeys and chicken on a farm in East Anglia. The risk to the general public is considered to be very low, at worst producing a skin infection . Poultry workers could be at risk from dust in animal housing.
H7N9 UPDATE
The World Health Organization reports that this year the disease has been reported humans in China with 137 cases and 45 fatalities. The risk of spread from person to person is still low.
HUMANE FOX DETERRENTS
It is an offence to poison foxes or shoot them without a licence, and shooting them is pointless because the vacant territory will be adopted by another fox. Various websites www.foxproject.org.uk and www.jbryant.co.uk that rely on Scoot type scent deterrents and Scarecrow - a water jet hosepipe will help deter foxes from making your garden home.
An urban fox territory runs to 40 acres about 500 gardens and there are about 30.000 urban foxes in this country.
NEARLY 10,000 MEMBERS!
The Henkeepers' Association has 9916 members. We are all looking forward to welcoming our 10,000 member......
NORTHERN MITE ALERT
These nasty little parasites are the same size as red mite, but they live on the bird, and not in the house. Look closely around the main tail feathers for dirty dusty patches. Hosts will be depressed and pale combed. Treatment is Ivomec, contact your vet, because this problem can cause severe anaemia and death.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS OF THE HENKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION
Suscribe to Your Chickens Magazine and get 6 issues for ?6.00.
Your Chickens is a useful magazine for back garden henkeepers: full of tips, advice and real life stories of real people who keep hens. It is available on subscription and HA members can make savings if using direct debit. After the first 6 issues your subscription will continue at ?12 for 6 months. Visit www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/hka or call 0844 848 8056 and quote UYCHHKA13.
HOT WEATHER HENS
Apart from the odd sunbathe, poultry doesn't really do well in hot weather. Make sure you take precautions or they may get sunstroke.
*Supply shade in the run. Rolls of bamboo fencing are available from garden shelters, or use an old table cloth or sheet, pegged.
*Make sure water is changed at least once a day
*Leave a door open to create a draught in the henhouse. Insert a wire netted panel if security is an issue.
*Make sure dust baths are kept topped up with plenty of dry soil, sandpit sand or bonfire ashes.
*Waterfowl are especially vulnerable, so keep their water supply topped up.
THIEVES ABOUT
Reports of poultry thefts in Faversham and Cambridge. Keep your eyes skinned.
H7N9 UPDATE
Reports from China that the human infection toll is up to 126 and the death toll is 20.
H7N9 VIRUS IN CHINA
The BBC reports two fresh cases of infection in Shanghai, bringing the latest outbreak up to 18 identified cases. Live bird markets have been closed. after tens of thousands of birds have been culled after discovery of traces of the virus.
The WHO state that there is no evidence 0f human-to-human transmission of the virus, but that 500 close contacts of the infected were bing monitored. The H7N9 strain is a form of avian flu not previously found in humans. It is distinct from the H5N1 bird flu virus that has caused 360 deaths worldwide since 2003.
NEW VACCINE
British scientists have developed a synthetic animal vaccine which is easier to store and distribute than live vaccine. The prototype is for foot-and-mouth disease and is more stable than the live equivalent, which could revert to an infectious form. The Henkeepers' Association is watching its development with interest.
EASTER EGGS LIVE
Follow the fortunes of various birds and reptiles hatching live on Channel 4 every day at 7.55pm and online at www.eggs.channel4.com.
GIANT EGG AUCTIONED
The largest egg - 120 times the size of a hen's egg - laid by the extinct Madagascan Elephant bird, and discovered by archaeologists has been auctioned.
TESCO POISED TO JUST SELL BRITISH CHICKEN
Reacting to customers' wishes to eat locally reared meat, Tesco have promised to stock British reared chicken only.
HENOPAUSE CURED!
Bizarre tale from BBC Radio Manchester's Andy Crane Show: five and a half year old hen - Dusty, an ex batt from BHWT started to lay soft shelled eggs, despite a hormone implant. She was then given a 'chckerectomy' by a vet, where her 'egg tube' was removed. She is now back to being top hen in a flock of eight, and being her owners 'feathered baby'.
What can we say!
BRINSEA INCUBATORS OFFER ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION
Egg incubators create ideal conditions for growth of bacteria that can be harmful to incubating eggs. To reduce this risk, Brinsea have incorporated additives into their incubator cabinets during manufacture to provide the optimum environment for hatching. For more information visit www.brinsea.co.uk.
POULTRY CONGRESS IN TURKEY
For further information about the International Congress on Advancements in Poultry Production in the Middle East and Africa to be held in Antalya in Turkey from 21-25 October, please visit www.pamcongress2013.org.
TIDY HENRUNS IN SPITE OF THE WEATHER
The run in winter is not a lovely place. Keep your flock well by adopting some of these tips
*If your run is muddy, try a thick layer of chipped bark or wood chippings.
*Strategically placed paving slabs can smooth your route to the feed bin.
*Roll-up paths see garden catalogues are useful for larger runs.
*Hoover your house, use an anti-parasite powder, then cover with a thick wodge of newspaper. Remove the top layer every morning, tear up and put on the compost heap.
*Line the nestobxes with a layer of dried moss, ready for the start of the laying season in February. Pop in a china egg to encourage first time layers.
*Top up dustbaths with wood ash and sandpit sand. Keep dry, under the house.
THEFT ALERT!
Member and journalist Hazel Southam is keen to hear from other members who have had eggs or birds stolen. Contact her on hazel@hazelsoutham.co.uk with your experiences, solutions and cautionary tales.
NEW EBOOK
If you are looking for a beginners book or embarking on a career in poultry production, this is the book for you. Find out more on www.acsebooks.co.uk.
NEW VETERINARY RESEARCH
Research from the Royal Veterinary College reports that garden poultry generally live in better conditions, but that we risk spreading disease by our lack of knowledge.
In the report published in British Poultry Science, research carried out in Greater London, revealed we have insufficient awareness of laws that could lead to the spread of disease.
Apparently we do not realise that feeding kitchen waste to our flocks is not permitted they specifically point out that feeding chickens with chicken meat and eggs carries the danger of Newcastle disease, that we have limited awareness to serious zoonotic disease and that we rarely vaccinate.
We have limited awareness of diseases like Mareks, infectious Laryngotracheitis and bronchitis, and that we should be aware that the presence of chickens could be a risk factor in diarrhoea in children.
The report concludes that there is a communication gap between us and the authorities, and that we should realise our pets are a farmed species.
The Henkeepers' Association is always ready to pass on relevant information from Defra to our members.
To read the whole report: http//rvc.ac.uk/Research/News/Backyard-chicken-keeping.cfm
DUCKS!
Food writer Bee Wilson reminds us in the Sunday Telegraph that conditions that ducks raised for food commercially are kept in, leave a lot to be desired.
The RSPCA campaigns for the 15 million farmed ducks to be allowed access to water to bathe. They tell us to make sure any products purchased should have their Freedom Food Label.
MOULTING HENS
All birds moult their feathers and leg scales annually, though exactly when depends on the age of the birds, the weather - and according to old wive's tales - how well they lay.
Usually, the moult takes place in early autumn. You may open the door to your henhouse and find it full of feathers, with it's occupants looking oven ready, or the hens may moult gradually over several days.
Your hens will go off lay and generally seem under the weather. Supplement their food with extra protein or a tonic, and make sure there's plenty of shade, and that there are dustbaths available.
The feathers will grow back gradually, first hollow tubes will appear, not unlike a porcupine, then the feathers will emerge from these tubes and they will be preened away, leaving a grey dust in the house.
Your birds will re-emerge, fully feathered in time for the colder weather.
ADVICE ON HANDLING CHICKS
From Storey's guide, the US poultry bible. They suggest avoiding handling for at least 72 hours after hatching because the chick has a yolk sac inside its tiny abdomen and squeezed too hard or let drop, the sac could break and the chick will get blood poisoning and die within 24 hours.
Most hens are very protective of their brood, and I leave them alone for the first few days. But it's especially important not to let small children play with chicks, however tempting and cuddly they are.
NEW H5N1 RESEARCH
Professor Derek Smith of Cambridge University warned on the Today Programme {June 22nd} that the H5N1 bird flu virus "is on the borderline" of being possible to change into a form able to spread rapidly between humans.
Potentially, with as few as five mutations, avian flu could become airborne and transmissable between birds and mammals and humans. Two of the five mutations had occurred in exisiting avian flu strains. The key question is "is three a lot, or a little?".
Professor Smith says "We now know that it is within the realms of possiblilty that these viruses can evolve in nature and what needs to be done. We should be relieved and vigilant following this research."
HENKEEPING COURSE IN OXFORDSHIRE
Cogges Hall nr Witney in Oxfordshire is holding a poultry keeping course on Saturday October 13th. For further information visit www.cogges.org.uk or phone 07970 780 514.
SAMPHIRE SMALLHODERS FAIR
Karen Nethercott's smallholding will be open to the public near Norwich on July 15th. Lots of excellent stalls including Little Red Hen Rescue. For info visit www.samphireshop.co.uk or phone 01379 674 413.
KENT HEN PARTY
For hatching eggs, pure breeds and all things garden hens, visit the Hen Party in Benenden on Sunday May 27th
email charles.hume@btinternet.com for information.
GREENS FOR HENS
It's the greenery that makes your birds' egg yolks that wonderful yellow, so give your flock access to the garden whenever you can. Grass is a great source of protein. If you don't have a lawn then grow grass or spinach in blue plastic greengrocers boxes, lined with newspaper, filled with compost and planted with seeds.
If you plant a few at a time and only leave them to be eaten down to the roots, they can be replaced in rotation giving the plants time to recover.
BIRD FLU RESEARCH TO BE PUBLISHED IN FULL
We learn from the BBc that recent research by Professor Ron Bouchier from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam is set to be published in full, despite fears that the information could be a threat to public health.
The H5N1 virus is lethal to birds, but does not transmit easily to people. However this research proved that a handful of mutations could make it infectious to ferrets, apparently the best mimic for humans.
WHOLESALE EGG PRICES RISE
As a result of the ban on battery egg producing, whole sale prices for cake and icecream manufacturers has risen by an amazing 40% to 70%, resulting in a shortage. EU producers who have not yet affected the welfare improvements have been banned from exporting their eggs to this country. Retail prices are still stable, but are unlikely to remain so as retailers try to re-coup their ?400million investment in new welfare cages. The danger is that producers in Brazil and India where thee is no ban will export here.
PULLETS STARTING TO LAY
Valentines' Day and higher light levels trigger the new season's laying. Place a china egg in your nestbox to encourage pullets to lay where you want them to.
PROTECT YOUR BIRDS FROM THE COLD
Make sure your flock is sheltered from the elements with straw bales against the prevailing wind.
Insulate your house with layers of newspaper and straw.
Offer water in plastic bowls that are easy to knock out in icy weather.
A warming breakfast of wholemeal bread and porridge oats soaked in hot water is a good start to the day and may have to be served in their house if your birds are unwilling to brave the snow.
Look in the 'protect' and 'feeding' sections of this website for more information.
HEN KEEPING COURSES FOR 2012
Courses available from:
www.chickenschool.co.uk - Swindon Wilts
www.poultry.allotment.co.uk
wwwcotswoldchickens.com
www.jessieshens.co.uk - Cambridgeshire
If other course holders would like to promote their events, let us know at info@henkeepersassociation.co.uk.
HEN KEEPING COURSES FOR 2012
Courses from Francine Raymond from Whitstable in Kent www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk and at Assington Mill in Suffolk April 1st www.assingtonmill.co.uk. Also online courses from www.mygardenschool.co.uk.
BREEDERS AVAILABLE FOR SHOWS & EVENTS
Meadow Poultry based near Thetford in Norfolk who breed Sussex bantams are available to show with birds and housing. Contact them at meadowpoultry@live.co.uk.
NEW BOOK ON GARDEN HENS
A new book on how to create a chicken freindly yard from America by Jessi Bloom published by Timber Press.
EARLY DAY MOTIONS AFFECTING POULTRY WELFARE
Early day motions EDMs are formal motions or subjects submitted for debate in the House of Commons. Check to see whether your Mp is supporting the following subjects on htpp://www.parliament.uk/edm/2011-12.
221 Ban on Battery cages
1321 That the ban on conventional batteries should be consistant throughout the EU
1422 supporting the ban on the plucking of feathers from live birds
2443 that eggs from countries who are still not complying with the ban on conventional battery cages should be prevented from being sold in the UK.
POULTRY ANTIBIOTICS AFFECTING HUMANS
Scientists now believe that routine use of antibiotics in commercial poultry used as preventatives is affecting human resistance to infections. Overuse of medication is known to have made certain varieties ineffective, overuse in animals and poultry that we eat could be compounding the problem.
Drug resistant strains of MRSA have passed between humans and animals, and animals are building up resistance to routine antibiotics.
All the more reason to keep your own hens or buy organic products.
EGG PRODUCERS CHALLENGING EU EGG IMPORTS
British egg producers are challenging Defra ministers. New regulations slightly improving battery conditions that have taken 12 years to put in place, have no |
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20/7/06
NEW MEMBERS
The Henkeepers' Association is getting at least 10 new members a day! Please make your views on vaccination known. Email your MP {Fred Bloggs} on BLOGGSF@parliament.uk, but do it now, they are all off on holiday soon until October. If you don't know who your MPis try www.theyworkforyou.com
LAUNCH OF VACCINATION NATION
Civilised strategies for protecting outdoor poultry fron Avian Flu
The hottest day of the year saw representatives of the organic free range poultry industry,Defra, the pharmaceutical industry and many domestic poultry keeping groups, including the Henkeepers'Association join Ministers, MPs, and reporters at a cramped reception at Westminster.
Organised by Elm Farm Organic Research Centre and hosted by Richard Benyon MP, speakers included Lib Dem MP Andrew George, Dutch NBvH secretary Christine Bijl and Director of Elm Farm Lawrence Woodward, who called for the Governement to act now to protect outdoor poultry from A1 by using "the scientifically proven, politically and socially acceptable route" of preventative vaccination, and prepare a plan, submit it to the EU, and ensure that there is sufficient vaccine to stock a preventative vaccination campaign.
To see a full copy of the report and scientific data:
www.efrc.com/vacnat
HEATWAVE ALERT
Common sense dictates that birds need shade and space during this hot weather. Water must be freshened regularly and houses kept ventilated and clean. For further tips, see Diary page in Publications section.
10/7/06
DEFRA'S BUDGET
Richard Allison Editor of Poultry World reports that Defra has allocated only ?0.65m to Avian Flu in this year's Vet science budget of ?300m.
Why is the Government starving the industry of research cash at such a crucial time?
10/7/06
RECEPTION AT HOUSE OF COMMONS
Representatives from the Henkeepers' Association have been invited to a reception at the House of Commons next week, as part of the Preventative Vaccination Alliance, organized by Elm Farm Research Centre - the UK,s leading Organic research and advisory body. We will report back after the event.
9/7/06
EU AGREES TO EXTENTION OF DUTCH VACCINATION PLAN
This includes widening the scope to cover more species, provision for birds to be moved for exhibition and changes which will make vaccination cheaper and easier for hobby keepers.
At migration, keepers have the choice to vaccinate or keep their birds undercover. Birds within 1km of outbreaks may still be slaughtered, but the intention is not to slaughter, unless the outbreak is out of control.
NEW COMBINED DROPLET VACCINE DEVELOPED IN US & GERMANY
Mount Sinai School of Medicine NY and Friedreich-Loeffler Institute have engineered a combination vaccine of Newcastle Disease and avian influenza which shows great promise. Its ease of application, through drinking water or air diffusion will make the vaccine popular with the poultry industry, who will then use their might to persuade Defra.
12/6/06
HENKEEPERS' WEBSITE GOES ONLINE FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS
We feel that the information provided should be accessible to all, and in order to get a true reflection of pro-vaccination support have decided to offer a free information network to all small-scale henkeepers who subscribe. We hope eventually to be sponsored by companies.
RED MITE ALERT!
For protection tips see PROTECT section.
NORFOLK H7 UPDATE
Defra has not found any links between the three units that were infected recently with H7, except their closeness to one another. Domestic poultry and feed sources have been eliminated, and Defra are now focusing on wild birds and visitors.
31/5/06
FROM BEN BRADSHAW IN A REPLY TO OUR LETTER 10/5/06
"Prior to the compulsory slaughter of birds for avian flu disease control purposes, Veterinary Officers will carry out clinical inspections. As Ms Raymond is aware, compensation is payable for healthy birds that are compulsorily slaughtered for disease control purposes and the amount is their value immediately before slaughter."
This comment from the Minister was in reply to mine, that our birds are valued pets!
15/5/06
LETTER FROM HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES' PRIVATE SECRETARY
"The Prince of Wales has asked me to thank you most warmly for your letter of 8th May about the risks of Avian Flu and vaccination policy. His Royal Highness was most interested to read your letter, not least because this is a subject in which he took a particular interest during the Foot and Mouth outbreak and he can well understand your anxieties about the threat which avian flu poses to pure and traditional breeds of poultry. Indeed, it is a subject which he has discussed with Patrick Holden, the Director of the Soil Association, of which His Royal Highness is Patron. The Prince of Wales would strongly recommend that you make urgent contact with Patrick because the Soil Association has done a good deal of work in this area. He can be reached on........Meanwhile the Prince of Wales will continue to monitor the situation very closely, and he has asked me to send you his warmest good wishes and thanks you for writing as you did."
MEMBERS' EXPERIENCE
Recently a member phoned to say that he had lost one of his flock the night before and two further birds had died that morning. He lives within 10 miles of Dereham. We agreed that he should contact his vet immediately who luckily worked for a large poultry practice. Initial prognosis was that the symptoms didn't indicate H7. Tests results were returned within 4 hours and post mortem results three days later proved that the birds had taken poison.
Sad, but not as worrying as it might have been. We wondered what might have happened if the Dereham case had been H5N1, and if the vet had not been a poultry specialist. We doubt that the rest of the flock would have been spared before the results were in.
It may be a good idea for members to contact their vets to find out what would happen to their flock in similar circumstances.
30/04/06
TWO FURTHER FARMS INFECTED
2 more farms in the Dereham area have been infected with H7N3 with 15,000 commercial freerange birds to be slaughtered. Two other farms have been found to be clear. A 1km restriction zone has been set up around all three infected farms. Poultry keepers will not be asked to house their birds at this stage. Wild birds in the area have tested negative and Defra doesn't know which farm is the source of the infection. So much for surveillance and centralized diagnostic technology.
27/04/06
OUTBREAK OF H7 IN HOCKERING nr DEREHAM IN NORFOLK
A low pathenogenic strain of N7 has been found in a 35,000 strong battery flock in Norfolk. This virus apparently presents zero risk to humans {according to Defra}and is low risk to birds, although tests continue. Results will be published within the next two days. Does Defra have Intervet's H5/H7 vaccine in stock?
East Anglia has the largest concentration of commercial poultry in Europe. The Hockering flock, apparently laying birds, destined for the petfood industry,were hatched in France and reared off site, form part of a poultry company with 30 other units in the surrounding area.
Local henkeepers should protect their birds {see protect page}and make plans to carry out local Defra instructions delivered to 1800 homes in the area, which may be less draconian than those for H5N1.
NEW VACCINE
Japanese researchers have successfully produced a vaccine for domestic fowl that would offer more rapid immunity
19/04/06
HENKEEPERS? ASSOCIATION PUT ON DEFRA?S STAKEHOLDERS DATABASE
In a letter from Ben Bradshaw we are told ?that it is crucial that keepers follow biosecurity measures including isolating flocks from wild birds in the event of an outbreak or if the disease risk increases and if they keep their birds outdoors they need to have a clear plan for housing them indoors.
Where housing is not possible, you will be required to take all reasonable steps to minimise contact between your birds and wild birds, and ensure that your birds do not have any direct or indirect contact with poultry or captive birds on other holdings.?
Further information can be seen in the leaflet Preparing for Influenza- Separating Flocks from Wildbirds on www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/diseas/ai/keptbirds/indx.htm#biosecurity
Apparently Defra are currently reviewing this document and are asking us for comments. We have yet to hear from them.
REPLY FROM BEN BRADSHAW TO OUR LETTERS
16/04/06
?No birds in the UK have been vaccinated against A1. Although vaccination offers potential benefits in disease control, currently available A1 vaccines are too limited to provide a general solution.
Crucially, although A1 vaccines are able to reduce bird mortality from the disease, it is likely that some vaccinated birds would still be capable of transmitting the disease if they became infected without displaying symptoms of the disease. Vaccinated birds could therefore pass the disease on to other birds while symptoms of the disease would be masked, making detection and eradication considerably more difficult. Influenza viruses can also mutate rapidly, which could render a vaccine less useful.
The vaccines have severe practical limitations in that they need to be delivered by individually injecting each bird. It can take up to three weeks for the birds to develop optimum protective immunity and some poultry require two doses. This would be a considerable challenge in commercial poultry flocks of tens of thousands of birds. There are also welfare implications for birds through the necessary increase in handling, which would also pose a risk to worker performing the vaccinations. A1 vaccines are therefore different from other successful vaccines, such as those for Newcastle Disease, which are administered through aerosol or in drinking water rather than individual injection.
Naturally, other EU member states, also recognize these limitations and do not regard vaccination as a perfect solution. Those countries that do propose to vaccinate are setting up very costly administrative programmes to oversee vaccination and to provide intensive monitoring and surveillance over a potentially lengthy time period. Such programmes may be justified in Member States where the industry is very densely located in a single region, or where trade out of the region is principally in eggs and poultry products, rather than live birds. Vaccination may also be justified where the disease has become endemic, as in parts of South East Asia, or as one part of a range of emergency controls in the event of outbreaks.
However, in UK circumstances, Defra believes that swift detection and culling of infected flocks and dangerous contacts and the imposition of movement controls around infected premises is a more effective and efficient approach and that vaccination could reduce Defra?s ability and resources to achieve that objective.
Ongoing discussions with stakeholders have reached a broad concensus that preventative vaccination does not currently provide an effective and efficient means of controlling A1 and that good biosecurity followed by housing of birds is the best response to a heightened threat.
Nevertheless, Defra does of course keep its policy under review as vaccine manufacturers continue to develop their products, and Defra is planning for the option of emergency vaccination if needed in an outbreak. There may be circumstances during an outbreak when emergency vaccination would be appropriate but this would be subject to a risk assessment at the time.?
Our reply to the Minister
THE CHOICE TO VACCINATE BACKYARD FLOCKS
Dear Ben Bradshaw,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to our letter of 31st March. The points you raise are not new to us, and in many cases are irrelevant to our particular situation as backyard poultry keepers.
Our pure breed poultry cost on average ?25.00 per head, rising hugely for rarer breeds and some waterfowl. They are, to all intents and purposes, our pets, and we feel we have the right to protect them. We are aware of the complications: the double vaccination, the blood tests, the costs, all of this is irrelevant. We are prepared to pay. We know that our fellow hobby keepers in Holland are in the process of vaccinating their flocks, and as fellow Europeans, demand the same opportunities to avoid having to keep our birds in situations we would consider detrimental to their welfare. The larger breeds would suffer dreadfully if confined. In fact, the British Veterinary Association supports vaccination in cases where the welfare of birds is under threat.
You obviously believe in the efficacy of the vaccine because you have just bought 2 million doses for zoo birds, and have signalled your understanding of the importance of derogating pure breeds for the good of the genetic bank. Why not give 500,000 households the peace of mind that their birds? and families? health will not be compromised and give us the choice to vaccinate.
We aware that there are obviously many more pressing issues with commercial poultry for you to take care of, but urge you to take our particular claims seriously.
Other Organizations Supporting Vaccination:
Elm Farm Research Centre
Indian Runner Duck Association
British Waterfowl Association
Goose Club
Poultry Club of GB
Scots Dumpy Club
Poultry Club of Wales
Turkey Club UK
Call Duck Association
Araucana Club UK
Modern Game Club
VACCINES DO WORK
The UK has ordered 2.3 million doses of avian influenza vaccine for zoo birds. It has, according to the Guardian {8.4.06}, now ordered 10 million more doses. Would it do that if the vaccine is useless? Of course not.
In Holland they are now conducting a vaccination programme for pure breeds and pets. It had taken ?blood, sweat and tears?* but they have got there.
Government officials constantly say that vaccinating birds masks the disease. Who is advising them? Practice in Hong Kong says otherwise.
* Since the start of vaccination in 2003, there have been no AI cases in these birds, or sentinel birds kept with them to check for disease.
* In field challenge studies {Avian Pathology, 334} vaccination completely stopped virus circulation on the Hong Kong farm.
* In laboratory challenge studies David Swayne {Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, USDA/ARS, Athens, Georgia, US} shows that the vaccines protect completely. Challenged, non-vaccinated birds excreted large amounts of virus. The majority of vaccinated birds did not excrete any virus; the minority excreted 10,000 to 100,000 times less virus than controls.
* In transmission experiments PNAS 2005; Vol 102 vaccination with Nobilis Influenza H7N1 transmission of the virus to contact birds was completely blocked when birds were challenged 2 weeks after vaccination. A similar transmission study at Lelystadt demonstrated that vaccination of ducks completely blocked the challenge virus from infected vaccinated ducks to contact vaccinated ducks.
The truth is that, if birds are vaccinated preventively {prophylactically} before infection arrives, they are very well protected. Birds free from disease, inoculated with a dead vaccine, CANNOT shed virus. IF they are later challenged with disease, then a small number may contract the disease. If they do, experiments show that they shed virus for up to three days, but shed such a tiny amount that they do not even infect sentinel birds. There is very good flock immunity.
Which do we want: mass infection and a mass cull with mountains of infected litter and bodies or protected free-range flocks which are vaccinated and monitored?
People should have the choice of vaccination for their pet and free range birds now. The argument ?to vaccinate or not to vaccinate? is about risk. Which risk is more serious: to leave birds unprotected to infect humans, or to reduce risk infection? If the virus were to be introduced by the wild bird population anyway, how could your vaccinated birds be a risk to you?
We have probably no vaccine in the bank in the UK above the zoo bird requirement. Organisations such as:
OIE http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm World Organisation for Animal Health
CIWF http://www.ciwf.org.uk/ Compassion in World Farming
BVA http://www.bva.co.uk British Veterinary Association
ultimately advocate using vaccine to reduce mass killing. Why can?t DEFRA act, to have a policy before it is too late for people with vulnerable outdoor birds?
Dr Christine Ashton.
POET JOHN BURNSIDE ON THE CELLARDYKE OUTBREAK
Writes in the Guardian 15/4 regretting the loss of birds from sight and concludes:
"Nobody would advocate taking unnesseccary health risks with bird flu; at the same time it is important that we do not overreact to the death of a single bird. Every year we drift further from animals; we dare not sacrifice what communion we have left with the few birds we still know, for the sake of visibly adequate, though possibly cosmetic response."
A1 UPDATE
09/04/06
Swan discovered to be non-native Whooper that died in the Baltic. Tests on all other wild birds are negative for A1.
A1 UPDATE
7/4/0//6
Tests on the native mute swan found yesterday in Fife have proved positive. 14 other wild birds are being tested. Birds within a 3km zone are to be kept undercover ?where practicable?. What does Defra mean by ?practicable?? For free range organic birds, netting, as cover, is acceptable. The Soil Association is asking for vaccination as an immunity barrier to be the next step.
Word from Toddy Hamilton-Guild, Secretary of the Scots Dumpy Club and a keen supporter of vaccination is that ?one of the most significant flocks of Dumpies is within the 10km restriction zone?. Dumpies are a rare breed in need of conservation.
A wild bird surveillance zone has been set up. Any single dead duck, goose or swan, or grouips of other dead birds should be reported to Defra on 08459 335577.
AVIAN FLU UPDATE
6/4/06
The badly decomposed body of a swan was discovered in the harbour at Cellardyke in Eastern Scotland on the 29th March. Further tests will determine today whether the swan had H5N1.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been set up. We should carry on keeping our flocks? feed and water away from wild birds, but no further action needs to take place.
We will keep you updated, but Hugh Pennington says it should not be a worry to the general public. We should wait and see, but it is unlikely to have spread into the wider bird population. It is a localized outbreak which can be snuffed out locally.
Freda Scott-Parkes, Chief Veterinary Officer says the outbreak will be controlled by containment, culling and firebreak and that vaccination is unnecessary. We could do both. Allow us to protect our birds now, so that in the event of other outbreaks we would be ready, and our birds would not have to suffer confinement.
PURE BREEDS WILL BE SAVED
27/03/06
We have had news from Victoria Roberts of the Poultry Club of Great Britain that after negotiations, Defra will probably agree that ?all pure breeds of healthy poultry including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys will not be slaughtered near to an avian influenza infected premises, as long as biosecurity is good and the birds are housed?.
Defra considers that any Standardised breed {ie from the British Poultry Standards Book} is a pure or rare breed. So therefore most of our backyard birds would be derogated. We wait to read the small print, but nonetheless, congratulate the PCGB for their success in persuading Defra that our birds are worth saving.
Vaccination remains the solution to protect our flocks and their quality of life as free rangers. Poultry Club members are mostly breeders and exhibitors who would probably keep their birds under cover anyway. Our birds are pets, not agricultural animals.
THE DUTCH VACCINATION PLAN
14/03/06
The Henkeepers? Association is keeping a close eye on the progress of vaccination strategy for hobby birds and free range laying hens in Holland, approved by the EU in February. The Dutch culled 48 million birds during an avian flu outbreak in 2003.
There are between 1-3 million birds held in private hands ? it seems the authorities have a similar grasp to Defra of numbers involved ? and vaccination will be provided on a voluntary basis, as an alternative to the requirement to keeping these birds inside. All bio-security measures, including feeding under cover, monitoring and testing will have to be applied, and records will have to be kept.
Vaccinated birds can only be moved to other vaccinated poultry holdings, so we are unlikely to get much support from breeders? organizations and their products cannot be marketed.
Our correspondent in Holland is struggling keeping her birds undercover until the vet?s visit. Heavy snow has played havoc with ad hoc overhead bird-proof netting. The cost seems to be about ?70.00 per visit for the entire flocks? treatment, but she feels these prices may rise because there is a panic and organization, at this stage, is floundering. The two-part vaccination needs to be carried out in quiet, stress-free conditions, otherwise there can be detrimental health consequences.
With luck, we could have a bit longer that the Dutch to plan such a strategy, but this will never happen if Defra won?t even consider vaccination of our poultry. Lobby your MP and write to Defra at Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. Every voice should count.
VACCINE FACTS
from Intervet manufacturers of the only vaccine licensed for use in the UK as reported in Poultry World Magazine
Why use a vaccine from H5N2 when it is H5N1 that is causing the problem?
*The H5N2 vaccine is closely related to the N1 strain so that it induces protection, but allows differentiation between vaccinated and infected birds
How quickly will birds be protected?
*Protection starts 1-2 weeks post vaccination. After three weeks, there is significant protection that peaks at about five weeks. Re-vaccinating 4-6 weeks will extend protection to one year.
Are there any vaccination methods other than injection?
*Vaccines currently used are inactivated, which means the virus is not live and to get a good response it should be injected. Mass vaccination via drinking water will require new types of vaccine which are still in early stages of development.
How can vets differentiate between infected and vaccinated birds?
*Because the vaccine is based on H5N2, vaccinated birds get extra antibodies which infected birds don?t get. These can be monitored with a number of standard methods by taking blood tests.
Does vaccination mask infections?
*No. Vaccinated birds may become infected and a minority will excrete a limited amount of virus. However this is too small to infect other birds. In Hong Kong, vaccinated birds no longer transmitted the virus and did not turn into carriers.
PROS AND CONS OF VACCINATION
from Poultry World Magazine ? the commercial poultry industry?s mouthpiece.
For
*Can prevent disease and avoid the collapse of the poultry industry
*Reduces viral load and the likelihood of transmission
*Can distinguish between vaccinated and infected birds
Against
*Doesn?t encourage farmers to improve disease control
*Prevents symptoms, but doesn?t fully prevent virus shedding
*Can affect trade
*Birds have to injected individually twice.
Comment from the Henkeepers? Association
We believe that the pros are overwhelming and in our opinion the cons are not relevant to hobby keepers like ourselves. We are confident that virus shedding has been proved to be of such miniscule amounts as to be irrelevant.
STATEMENT FROM THE BRITISH VETENARY ASSOCIATION
Summary
? We do not support vaccination of domestic poultry before avian influenza is identified in
the UK
? Early detection, isolation and eradication is the best approach to controlling the spread
of this disease
? Poultry owners should be making efforts to protect their flocks by preventing contact
between poultry and wild birds and their droppings by:
o Increasing biosecurity measures
o Keeping domestic birds away from lakes and waterways
o Feeding and watering domestic poultry indoors
o Preparing to house free-range birds within 24 hours should Government
demand it.
The British Veterinary Association recommends the use of Vaccination under the following circumstances:
* Vaccinating high risk birds, from zoos or private bird collections which cannot be moved indoors for welfare reasons.
* Where there is a high risk of spread of the highly pathogenic virus in the UK
* As preventative vaccination in high risk areas where it is felt impossible to maintain adequate separation of domestic flocks from high density of wild birds suspected of carrying A1 based on a risk assessment
* As emergency vaccine as a disease control option where control has failed to contain spread, or for high risk groups in the near vicinity
* If the level of culling as a control method has reached such a level as to be unjustifiable on ethical or welfare grounds
* If the disease becomes endemic in the UK and persists at high levels in the wild bird population
* Where the welfare of birds is considered to be severely compromised; eg free range flocks required to be housed indoors for long periods.
To view the full BVA policy:www.bva.co.uk/policy/issues/A1_vaccination_statement.pdf
LETTER TO MARGARET BECKETT28/02/06
In the light of recent developments in Holland and the comments of Professor Sir David King, the Henkeepers? Association would encourage Defra to allow vaccination of poultry as part of the fight against avian flu.
The Dutch multi-pronged attack including vaccination of free range and poultry ?held in private hands? is based on valuable experience of widespread avian flu during 2003. Surely we can learn from their experiences.
David King?s prediction that we are likely to suffer the disease for five years plus, begs the question: does Defra intend to eradicate all poultry over that period?
Up to 250,000 private henkeepers keep birds in their gardens. They are not transported around the country, seldom sold or exhibited, and cannot fly. They are rarely killed for food and cannot practicably be kept under cover in humane conditions.
We urge Defra to take our views into account when formulating future policy.
EU GIVES PERMISSION 23/02/06
The EU has allowed France to vaccinate flocks of ducks and geese, and The Dutch can vaccinate freerange birds and those in ?private hands?. Our correspondent reminds us that vaccination will now become compulsory.
DEFRA ORDERS VACCINE
Organic groups have criticized Defra for not stockpiling vaccine. Until yesterday there were reported to be no stocks, but today small amounts have been ordered for zoos and endangered breeds. The Henkeepers? Association are trying to discover which breeds are derogated and would fall into this category.
PERMISSION TO VACCINATE 22/2/06
The Independent reports that French and Dutch Agriculture Ministers are applying for permission to vaccinate all poultry as an alternative to keeping flocks under cover. There seems to be sufficient consensus amongst veterinary bodies within the EU to approve this request, and worries about potential damage to the poultry trade as a result of vaccination have been overridden - vaccination affects export sales by removing the disease-free status of a country.
Representatives of organic groups have attacked the British Government for ?dereliction of duty for not stockpiling vaccine for birds in this country.? Ministers here say they don?t favour pre-emptive vaccination, and Intervet, the Dutch vaccine manufacturers say they have received no orders from Defra.
We believe we should take our lead from Holland. The Dutch poultry industry experienced an outbreak of avian flu in 2003. It was dealt with by culling and keeping birds undercover. This time round they have applied for permission to vaccinate their free range flocks as a preventative measure. Shouldn?t Defra be planning to do the same? The Independent says the cost of vaccination in the UK would be around ?10m.
MINISTER SPEAKS 20/2/06
Animal health minister Ben Bradshaw insists that an avian flu outbreak in Britain is not inevitable, and that at this moment, poultry do not have to brought undercover. Defra spokesman says mass vaccination remains one option for control. ?It is a part of our contingency planning, but would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.?
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS
Written parliamentary questions about vaccination were put to Ben Bradshaw by Bill Wiggin Shadow Minister for Agriculture on behalf of The Henkeepers? Association:
Answer to question 324
6/2/06
?Currently available vaccines do not make vaccination effective or efficient as disease control measure in the UK, although vaccines are able to reduce mortality, it is likely that some vaccinated birds would still be capable of transmitting the disease if affected. However, as part of our readiness for a disease outbreak, and conscious that there was no authorised vaccine available for A1, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has recently issued a Provisional Marketing Authorisation for the Nobilis Vaccine, produced by Intervet. The use of any approved vaccine is also subject to EU legislation on the control of Avian Influenza and would have to be specifically authorised by the Chief Vet. We are continuing to work closely with vaccine manufacturers to assess information on other vaccines.?
Answer to question 324
6/2/06
?We are engaging closely with a wide range of stakeholders on this issue. There is a broad consensus that preventative vaccination does not currently provide an efficient means of controlling avian influenza. Good bio-security followed by housing of birds is the best response to heightened threat. There is a minority view that preventative vaccine for birds of high genetic value, birds in zoos and free range birds in areas of high risk should be considered as part of the overall control strategy.
There is also an acceptance that emergency vaccination could be considered during an outbreak. This could form part of a wider disease control strategy but would depend on the efficacy of vaccines available. We will continue to involve stakeholders in our consideration of these issues.?
The Henkeepers? Association has written to all the Ministers at Defra urging them to re-consider small-scale keepers as a special case. We have also asked to be part of the relevant stakeholders? group.
EMINENT VIROLOGIST FAVOURS VACCINATION
Dr John Oxford of St Mary?s School of Medicine believes ?We should consider vaccination.? BBC News 24 18/2/06.
FROM OUR CORRESPONDANT IN HOLLAND
?The dead swans found here were not infected. Our minister will propose to the EU next Monday to allow vaccination, organic farmers especially are in favour as they remember vividly the horrific scenes of destruction here in 2003. Our birds are to be kept in from Monday professional and hobby keepers alike. Some organizations do not agree at all and have openly threatened to keep their birds free. They urge the authorities to allow us to vaccinate. If it is allowed, apparently it needs two rounds of vaccine, after which birds have to be kept in for three weeks and kept available for tests. They can?t be traded or butchered. Costs for hobby keepers will be approx 70 pounds sterling per flock ? irregardless of numbers.
I have started to round up my bantam Wyandotte hens and chicks and keep them in their run, but they?ll miss their garden. My goose will have to be put in too, though how one does that to a goose?..
Will keep you posted and hope this dreadful business doesn?t reach you.?
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW VACCINE IN USA
From the Times 2/2/06
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have genetically engineered an avian flu vaccine from live virus that can be quickly produced and may be more immune activating. Professor Gambotto said ?The results of this animal trial are very promising, not only because our vaccine completely protected animals, but also because we found that one form of the vaccine stimulates several lines of immunity against H5N1."
NEW VACCINE
Practical Poultry Magazine March reports that Intervet UK has received official marketing authorization for its avian influenza vaccine -Nobilis Influenza - for chickens, ducks and other avian species against the H5 strain of the disease. It will only be available from vets under conditions specified by EU legislation on the control of avian influenza. Contact your MEP on www.europarl.org.uk and lobby him/her about your views.
REGISTRATION
Defra is urging all those who keep more than 50 birds to register. This does not apply to ?premises where all the poultry and their eggs are kept by their owners for their own consumption, or as pets.'
THE HENKEEPERS'ASSOCIATION WEBSITE IS SPONSORED BY THE KITCHEN GARDEN www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk
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