Meet the Team – Nikky Motley – Commercial Manager
Nikky joined PHS in March 2016 following a long and varied service in the public sector. Nikky became Commercial Manager in August 2018 leading a team that is focused on the successful delivery of daily commercial operations. Drawing on experience including 10 years in a police control room, and 16 years living with her family on a turkey farm Nikky ensures that clients are at the heart of everything
Poultry Health Services delivers. Outside of work her passion is travelling and photography and has been fortunate to experience some truly unique experiences.
Working together to reduce antimicrobial usage
At the BVPA meeting back in March, our team presented on the topic “lowering antibiotic usage in poultry production”. It allowed for a review and reflection on the literature and a celebration of some of the work carried out by our teams.
- Communication importance – the relationship between customers and veterinarians are key to establish success on this matter. Providing training, transparency, discussing best practices and visual examples will allow for improvements on the overall farm status. It’s important to reflect on good stockmanship and address areas for improvement.
- Biosecurity – is a key step and one of the most limiting aspects for reducing antibiotic usage. Discussing vaccination status, diagnostic testing, discussing behaviours on farm and control measures will have a big impact on the cost and success of the measures implemented. Establish biosecure lock with dedicated clothing and footwear for each house; and reinforce washing hands procedures. Focus on both internal and external biosecurity status, from interventions on the feed hygiene, water hygiene; C&D and maintenance and improvements on the housing systems will allow for up to 47% reduction on antimicrobial usage.
- Early disease detection- ensure you have regular communication with your vet, discuss daily mortality and water consumption figures and if any changes or issues observed.
- Regular reviews, including routine visits for brooding and gut health scoring. The first week is 20% of a broiler life cycle, so focus on the first 3 days to make significant gains and by ensuring early chick feeding you’ll positively improve mortality at end of cycle. Alongside the veterinary health plan visits, you can ask us for antibiotic usage data and for biosecurity assessments.
- Decrease of stocking densities – this measure is often recommended to reduce the overall population pressure on the farm and thus allowing for an improved health status of the birds- but its success relies on stockmanship and good biosecurity.
Industry reports show that there has been a reduction of 7% Antibiotic sales year on year from 2022; and an overall decrease in its use of 76% since 2014, and one of the key aspects is the relationship between farmers and veterinarians, discussing antimicrobial resistance and herd specific health programs.
A Guide to NCP and BEIC Compliance with testing for Salmonella for Adult Egg-Laying Flocks
NCP Compliance
Under the National Control Programme (NCP) for Salmonella, flocks must be sampled initially between 22 and 26 weeks of age, then at least every 15 weeks during lay. Required samples are 2 x 2 boot swabs for barn or free-range flocks, and two composite faeces samples (150g each) for caged flocks.
BEIC Additional Requirements
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), via the Red Lion Code, requires operator samples every 13 weeks from 22 to 26 weeks of age. Before placing a new flock, a pre-housing sample must be taken: one pooled sample of nine gauze or sponge swabs from multiple surfaces and a separate rodent faeces or bait box sample (up to 25g).
Pooled Sample Areas Include: floors and walls (including cracks), beams, ledges, pipework, fans and air inlets, manure belts, droppings boards, scratching areas, feeders, drinkers, nest boxes, cage interiors, and egg delivery equipment.
Multi-tier Barn Samples
Require 2 x 1 boot swabs plus either two moistened fabric swabs (900 cm² each) or two hand swabs.
General Requirements
Testing must begin within four days of sampling. Samples must be accompanied by the sampling date, flock identity (house number), flock placement month and year, flock age, holding name and address, and contact details of the submitter.
🚨 Important Changes to Rodenticide Certification – Action Needed 🚨
If you buy or use professional rodenticides, please be aware that new regulations take effect from 1 January 2026.
From this date, farm assurance will no longer be accepted as proof of competence. You’ll need to meet one of the following requirements to continue purchasing rodenticides:
✅ Complete CRRU UK-approved training (within the past 5 years)
OR
✅ Be part of a CRRU-recognised CPD scheme
🗓️ From April 2025, you’ll also need to sign and return an updated declaration when purchasing rodenticides.
We strongly encourage all professional users to take action before the end of 2025 to avoid disruption.
For more information, visit: 👉 www.thinkwildlife.org/training-certification
Hot Weather Alert: Poultry Water Line Hygiene 🌡
With rising temperatures, it’s more important than ever to carry out a full turnaround clean of your poultry water lines before placing the next crop.
Hot weather accelerates bacteria growth in water systems—especially where boreholes and low water tables may increase the risk of contamination.
Have you tested the water after cleaning?
Contaminated or untreated lines can seriously affect bird health and performance.
Don’t take chances. Make sure your water system is properly cleaned, flushed, and tested before placement.
Agricure Farm Supplies can provide:
– DEFRA-approved waterline cleaners
– Water quality test kits
– Expert advice on cleaning and dilution rates
Contact us today for expert advice and pricing.
Wellbeing at PHS
At PHS, we’re proud to have our own Wellbeing Champion, Lucia, along with Mental Health First Aiders Meaka and Sam across our branches. Each month, we share a little light-hearted wellbeing with you.
Fun Fact: The Grey-headed Albatross can circle the globe in only 46 days. The incredible round-the-world journey covers 14,000
miles over the 46 day period at a steady 13mph.
Quote: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
Stay Connected on Social Media
Follow us on social media for the latest updates from PHS, along with the occasional light-hearted post.
Find us on:
– Facebook
– X @Poultryvets
– LinkedIn
Whether you’re after news or a quick scroll and a smile, we’d love to see you there!