Poultry Health & Welfare Advice from Trading Standards. Fitness for Market

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Cassandra Fletcher
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Poultry Health & Welfare Advice from Trading Standards Fitness for Market Any bird, or any livestock for that matter, entered for sale at a market must be fit for sale.

The rules are quite strict but this is with good reason. Think what the bird goes through in a sale day. Firstly there is the catching and loading, followed by the journey to market.

1 Poultry Health & Welfare Advice from Trading Standards Fitness for Market Any bird, or any livestock for that matter, entered for sale at a market must be fit for sale. Many will ask, well what is unfit? The Welfare of Animals Market Order 1990 defines unfit to INCLUDE any which is ill, injured, diseased, fatigued or infirm. The rules are quite strict but this is with good reason. Think what the bird goes through in a sale day. Firstly there is the catching and loading, followed by the journey to market. Then the bird may be in a cage in the market for several hours before it is loaded for its onward journey to its new home. A long and stressful day which, if the bird was not 100% at the start of the day, is likely to lead its health having deteriorated by the end. The other issue is disease control; it goes without saying that the suspicion of a notifiable disease in a market puts the health of every bird in the market, and every contact bird at the home premises, at risk. A suspect notifiable disease in a market would result in closure of the market until clearance by a government vet, a huge headache for all involved. If disease is confirmed it involves the culling of hundreds if not thousands of peoples prized birds. Any suspect notifiable diseases must be reported to AHVLA (DEFRA) without delay. Some further information on notifiable diseases to watch out for can be found on pages 2 & 3. So what about minor issues? We see many smaller problems, such as scaly leg, which is caused by a mite, and classes the bird as diseased under the legislation, therefore being unfit for sale. Not only that, the purchaser will have to treat the animal at their cost when they arrive home otherwise the problem can spread quickly to his other birds at the new premise. You can find out more about scaly leg and other common diseases on pages 4 & 5. If you think your bird may be unfit for sale please do not expose it for sale. The likelihood is that the bird will be removed. You could also find yourself the subject of a prosecution under the Welfare of Animals at Market Order 1990 which carries a hefty maximum 5000 fine and/ or 6 months imprisonment for each case. You should bring any concerns about potentially unfit birds to the attention of the market staff. If you arrive at the market with a bird which has deteriorated in transport it is your responsibility to ensure that it is fit for transport if you intend to take it back home. Information on fitness for transport can be found on page 6. Content: Pg1 Fitness for market Pg 2 & 3 Notifiable diseases - Newcastles Disease - Avian Influenza (bird flu) Pg 4 & 5 Common diseases -Scaly Leg Mycoplasma - Coccidiosis - Handling of Poultry at markets Pg 6 Transport of Poultry Pg7 Transport Certificates and Certificate of Competence

Notifiable Diseases in Poultry Good farming practices are essential to reduce the risk of illness or disease and to

You should always be vigilant and monitor your stock closely for any early warning signs.

The following pages contain information on diseases to be vigilant about.

If you have fewer than 50 birds, you are also encouraged to register on a voluntary basis.

2 Notifiable Diseases in Poultry Good farming practices are essential to reduce the risk of illness or disease and to prevent them spreading during an outbreak. You should always be vigilant and monitor your stock closely for any early warning signs. You must report any suspected case of a notifiable disease to your local AHVLA. The following pages contain information on diseases to be vigilant about. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS If you have 50 or more birds, you are required to register your premises with the GB Poultry Register. The register enables effective communication with poultry owners at times of heightened risk or actual disease outbreak. If you have fewer than 50 birds, you are also encouraged to register on a voluntary basis. NEWCASTLES DISEASE Affected birds may show a range of signs from mild illness to severe disease with dullness, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, diarrhoea and nervous signs. Hens may stop laying, or the eggs may be mis-shapen. In severe outbreaks a high proportion of infected birds may die. Chickens are very susceptible; ducks and geese are less so, and birds of the parrot family may carry mild strains for many months without showing any signs of illness.

3 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or

Look out for: sudden death in several birds, ruffled feathers, unusual head or neck posture, inability to walk or stand, reluctance to move, eat or drink, droopy

Other Common Poultry Diseases ( not notifiable) SCALY LEG Scaly leg is a disease of chickens and other birds.

The mite burrows under the scales in the bird's legs, but may also infest other areas, such as the comb or wattles of chickens.

3 3 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. It may also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances. Look out for: sudden death in several birds, ruffled feathers, unusual head or neck posture, inability to walk or stand, reluctance to move, eat or drink, droopy appearance, respiratory distress, diarrohea, swollen head, wattle or comb, and a drop in egg production. Other Common Poultry Diseases ( not notifiable) SCALY LEG Scaly leg is a disease of chickens and other birds. It is caused by a parasitic mite, Knemidocoptes mutans. The mite burrows under the scales in the bird's legs, but may also infest other areas, such as the comb or wattles of chickens. The mite spends its entire lifecycle on the birds and is usually spread by direct contact. Birds infested with scaly leg have raised or protruding scales, sometimes with a white crusty appearance. Scaly leg is irritating to the infected bird, and in extreme cases can result in lameness. Scaly leg, as are the other diseases mentioned in this newsletter, is not acceptable in a market; if you enter birds with this you will be asked to remove them from the market.

4 4 MYCOPLASMA Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can cause respitory disease in poultry. There are four main types of Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma gallisepticum: signs can include foamy eyes, sneezing, nasal discharge, swollen eyelids and sinuses, reduced egg production and gasping in chickens, turkeys and pheasants, swollen sinuses in waterfowl. This one is the main culprit in backyard flocks. Mycoplasma synoviae: signs include swollen and hot joints in chickens and turkeys and/or respiratory signs as above. Mycoplasma meleagridis: signs include poor growth in turkey poults and lowered hatchability in turkey breeders. Mycoplasma iowae: signs included reduced hatchability in turkey breeders, twisted legs in turkey poults TOP 5 TIPS TO PREVENT INTRODUCING DISEASE TO YOUR FLOCK Quarantine: new birds should be isolated for two weeks. Environment: ensure the housing is clean and well ventilated. Diagnosis: not all coughs and colds are mycoplasma, so correct diagnosis is very important. Isolation: sick birds should be isolated and treated responsibly with antibiotics. Prevention: this is far is better than cure. Good husbandry underpins a healthy flock.

5 COCCIDIOSIS Coccidiosis is one of the most common and economically important diseases of chickens worldwide. It is caused by a parasitic organism that damages the host s intestinal system.

they may have: diarrhoea soft mucoid faeces bloody droppings pink intestinal tissue in droppings hunched posture with ruffled feathers droopiness loss of appetite or even interest in water slow

5 5 COCCIDIOSIS Coccidiosis is one of the most common and economically important diseases of chickens worldwide. It is caused by a parasitic organism that damages the host s intestinal system. Look out for Birds that have coccidiosis often display a characteristic posture. They hunch up, fluff up and can drop their wings.they may have: diarrhoea soft mucoid faeces bloody droppings pink intestinal tissue in droppings hunched posture with ruffled feathers droopiness loss of appetite or even interest in water slow growth weakness/lethargy anaemia - look for pale comb and skin Handling of Poultry at Markets You must not:- lift or carry poultry by the head, neck, wing or tail; tie or bind poultry by the neck, leg or wing; use only one hand when catching, lifting and carrying poultry - you should always use both hands to support the bird; carry poultry in a sack or bag. You must use only rigid containers with enough space and ventilation; carry poultry head downwards; transport poultry in containers with other types of livestock; expose unfit poultry for sale; cause suffering to poultry at any time.

6 6 Transport of Poultry The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations The welfare of animals during transport is protected by EU legislation: No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way that is likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them Animal Welfare During Transport All persons who take animals on a journey, whatever the length, should always apply good transport practice, making sure: the journey is properly planned and time is kept to a minimum and the animals are checked and their needs met during the journey the animals are fit to travel the vehicle and loading and unloading facilities are designed, constructed and maintained to avoid injury and suffering those handling animals are trained or competent in the task and do not use violence or any methods likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering water, feed and rest are given to the animals as needed, and sufficient floor space and height is allowed documentation is provided which shows the following: origin and ownership of animals; place of departure and destination; date and time of departure and expected duration of journey (usually referred to as an Animal Transport Certificate). When transporting poultry always remember that: Poultry and animals quickly overheat during warm weather in vehicles. Do not leave them in your vehicles as they could die. Failure to comply with this specific advice could result in prosecution for causing unnecessary suffering. The means of transport should be designed, constructed, maintained and operated to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals. Rigid containers must be of a sufficient size, strength and design to prevent the poultry from injury and unnecessary suffering while contained within. Containers should always be carried upright and you should make sure that heads, legs and wings are unable to protrude.

7 7 Receptacles shall be labeled to indicate they contain live birds and marked with a sign indicating the receptacles upright position. You must not overcrowd the container and should avoid jolting or shaking it. Containers should be secured so as to prevent displacement. Ensure there is always an adequate supply of fresh air into the container. Transporter Authorisations Anyone transporting poultry as part of a business or commercial activity, which aims at achieving financial gain, whether direct or indirect, requires a transport authorisation for journeys over 65 km (40 miles) (for those over 8 hours there are further requirements). This would include those selling poultry at sales, and those purchasing to sell on, or breed stock from to sell on. There are two parts to consider; a transport authorisation and a certificate of competence. Part one: A type 1 transport authorisation for journeys over 65km and under 8 hours This currently requires filling in an application form (available from the government website or from your local trading standards officer) with your details and making note of any previous animal related convictions, and is free of charge. Authorisation granted will be valid for a maximum of 5 years. Part 2: A certificate of competence A certificate of competence is a multiple choice test aimed to ensure people transporting animals are competent to do so. It may sound scary but it is very simple and full training can be given prior to taking the test. Assistance can be given to those who cannot read or are not computer literate to ensure no one is at a disadvantage. FURTHER INFORMATION FOR TRANSPORT QUERIES The AHVLA Welfare in Transport Team issue Transport Authorisations and can give information on testing centres for the Certificate of Competence: This information was collated by Wiltshire Animal Health and Welfare Team. For more information please contact: Gloucestershire County Council Trading Standards Service, Hillfield House, Denmark Road, Gloucester. Tel: Welfare in Transport Team, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Specialist Service Centre Exports, Hadrian House, Wavell Drive, Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle CA1 2TB wit@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk

AVIAN INFLUENZA CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RACING PIGEONS. Part 1 General Biosecurity

AVIAN INFLUENZA CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RACING PIGEONS This Code of Practice has been agreed between the RPRA, Defra, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, DAERA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency and