Dutch vet to address westcountry poultry farmers

Poultry farmers in the westcountry will get the chance next month to hear from a vet who was directly involved with the 2003 bird flu outbreak in the Netherlands when a special forum focussing on AI is staged.

The event takes the place of the free range meeting held each autumn jointly between BFREPA and the NFU.

"With the current concern surrounding the spread of avian influenza the forum offers the ideal opportunity for producers to learn more about the risk and how to deal with it," says BFREPA vice-chairman John Widdowson who is organising the event.

Teaming up with the St David's veterinary practice, arrangements have been made for Dutch vet Rik van den Bos—who was directly involved with helping stamp out an outbreak in his homeland that led to the death of nearly thirty million birds—to be on hand to recount his experiences.

Rik will be joined by fellow poultry vets from the St David's practice along with a Defra spokesperson and a bird expert from the RSPB who will be able to inform producers of any particular risk to the region from migrating wildfowl.

Because of the importance surrounding avian influenza, the evening meeting will not be restricted to free range producers and is open to anyone with a poultry interest.

It takes place on 9th November starting at 7.30pm at the Exeter Golf & Country Club. Further information can be obtained by calling John Widdowson on 07889 765824.