By Gary Ford, chief executive, British Egg Industry Council
We are entering a crucial phase, with the industry facing some key, fundamental issues that could have a detrimental impact on the sector’s future. Firstly, in our relationship with the RSPCA. If we are to come through this difficult period, then we need compromise on some of the new standards. Whether, via the various industry surveys or what we have fed back on behalf of the industry, they are well aware of the pinch points in the amended standards published last November. So far, the engagement has been good, with positive feedback from industry reps however, the frequency of engagement has been lacking and apart from the delay in implementing the standards, we have, at the time of writing, had few meaningful or tangible outcomes which we hope will change following a meeting on 30 September. 1 February, with Christmas in between, is starting to feel very close and time is running out. We have asked for a clear timeline and engagement plan between now and 1 February to be shared as a matter of urgency. Failing that, we have repeated our long-standing ask that any new standards are paused to allow more time for constructive engagement regarding those that are causing issues for producers.
Secondly, we are entering the AI ‘season’. We have seen an uptick in wild bird cases, including H5N5 highly pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in wild pheasants released into woodland in Worcestershire towards the end of September. In the same week, Defra detected H5N5 in a fulmar in the Highlands and a gull in Northumberland. Thankfully these are wild birds, so no zones were declared and our country freedom status remains unaffected. Nonetheless, the ‘warning shots’ are there for us all. In addition, we are seeing skuas off the Scottish coast and dead birds off the coast of Spain and Portugal which could act as a reservoir. I will repeat the phrase that you are all so familiar with because it matters – the critical importance of practising enhanced biosecurity on farm at all times.
As part of Defra’s ability to control diseases outbreaks and to communicate to all poultry keepers, it is encouraging that, between mid-March and mid-September, 15,952 new keepers in England and Wales with under 50 birds registered on the APHA Poultry Register.
Finally, I end on a sad note – the passing of a great industry stalwart, Sir John Campbell, OBE. Sir John passed away peacefully on the farm (chasing cows) on Tuesday 10th September 2024, aged 90.
A great, great man he will be missed by all that knew him. Our sincere condolences go to the family and staff at Glenrath Farms at this most difficult of times.