Campylobacter was the main topic for discussion at the Annual NFU Cymru Poultry Conference, as members present heard from Jayne Griffiths, Food Standards Agency (FSA) Wales, on how the Agency is encouraging co-operation from farm to fork to reduce incidence.
Jayne Griffiths of FSA Wales said, “The Agency has brought together representatives from government, retailers, caterers, poultry producers and processors, and consumer organisations to agree actions that could be taken to reduce campylobacter.”
FSA has provided funding, following lobbying from the Union, which means that independent broiler farmers can now test for campylobacter on their farms for free. Funding for this initiative ends Tuesday 31 March 2015 and so it is important for producers to get involved as soon as possible.
Gary Ford, NFU Chief Poultry Adviser, said, “I believe that testing is an important part of better understanding the status of campylobacter on farm. As campylobacter does not appear to adversely affect bird health it is difficult for farmers to identify the point at which their flock goes positive for the disease.”
Members present at the conference, held at the NFU Cymru headquarters, Llanelwedd, also received a presentation from Stephen Bowen, of Potters Poultry, on their newly developed Premium Rearing Aviary, which is yet to be launched to the UK market.
Those present were also reminded to lobby their own MP on the beak trimming issue which could see a ban on infra-red beak trimming being implemented in 2016. The industry remains extremely concerned about this matter and members were encouraged to personally contact their MP on this matter and invite them out on to farm.
In terms of Avian Influenza, the Union urged farmers to remain vigilant and to maintain high levels of on-farm hygiene and biosecurity measures. Clare Morgan, NFU Cymru Poultry Board Chairman, said, “We are most grateful to all our speakers for addressing the well-attended event. I would also like to thank Wynnstay Group plc and Country Fresh Pullets Ltd for their kind sponsorship.”
