Avian Influenza Update-first case of HPAI in Brazil
On 15 May 2025, Brazil confirmed an outbreak of HPAI in a commercial broiler breeder farm in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. As a result, that state lost its HPAI-free status, which will put restrictions on exports of poultry from that state. Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of poultry, and although cases of Avian Influenza had been detected in wild birds (mainly along the coastline), it had not been reported in commercial farms until now.
At the time of writing, most AI restrictions have been lifted in North Yorkshire, although a new case was reported in Dorset on 18th May (albeit in captive birds) and a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone was declared surrounding the premises.
Please remain vigilant, and if you need DEFRA-approved disinfectants against Avian Influenza or PPE, please contact us.
NEW UK-EU trade agreement
In May, a new UK-EU trade deal was announced, aiming to address many of the practical issues that we have been encountering since Brexit. Whilst there are no dates as to when the proposed changes will be implemented, there are some clear points associated with our industry.
This will aim to reduce the health certification carried out by vets and facilitate the movement of people between the EU and the UK. In particular, the following points are of interest for the poultry industry:
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement: This is designed to eliminate much of the red tape and paperwork associated with food and drink exports and imports. Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed entirely. This follows the withdrawal of financial support for exports to Northern Ireland (Movement assistance scheme) from 30th June 2025
- Fishing rights 12-Year Reciprocal Access: The agreement grants EU fishing vessels continued access to UK waters for 12 years, in exchange for improved UK food export terms.
- Youth Mobility Scheme: A preliminary framework for a restricted youth mobility scheme aimed to help with the recruitment of ‘unskilled’ workers to vacancies that the industry has struggled to fill since Brexit.
We will keep you informed as we find out more about what the exact implications will be for poultry exports and veterinary certification. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, please contact us.
Early Summer Heatwaves – Prepare yourself & protect your flock
By Lucia Hardisty BVSC MRCVS – Veterinarian – North West
Unlike 2024’s non-existent summer, this year’s long-term weather forecasts predict an unusually hot July with heat waves striking the UK. Heat stress not only hampers production but also can lead to mortality in extreme cases. Here are some tips to help deal with and prevent heat;
Avoid feeding the birds at the hottest times of day.
Alter the ventilation and reduce humidity as needed.
Flush the lines regularly for chicks to ensure that drinking water stays cool.
Test the quality of your water regularly. Bacteria grow faster in hot weather – review your water sanitisation regime.
Walk older birds more regularly – this will allow any layers of hot air trapped under birds to disperse.
Provide supplements to the drinking water.
Thin earlier or at lighter weights if possible.
Water testing can be carried out by our lab, Newbridge Scientific.
Agricure Farm Supplies
At PHS, we have our exclusive range of nutraceutical products. Our supplements are specifically blended products with ratios chosen by poultry vets and nutritionists in the UK for use in specific circumstances. These are not only formulated for heat stress, but also for other specific stressful periods such as vaccination and thinning.
- AgriCure Chick Gel – Not only hydrates chicks on arrival and over the first few days, but also kickstarts good gut health with probiotics to give the birds the best possible start.
- AgriCure Electrovits Extra and AgriCure Hydrovits – Both can be used at any age, but are particularly useful in the 48 hours before catching. They provide energy, electrolytes, and B vitamins to promote general health and hydration and reduce stress. Hydrovits are particularly useful during hot weather as the sugars encourage birds to drink.
If you have any questions about how we can help your flock during hot weather, would like more advice about our supplement range, or would like to test the quality of your water, please phone your local PHS vets, who will be delighted to help.
Southwest Chicken Association 2025
PHS had a stand at this year’s 36th Annual Southwest Chicken Association Conference held at Sandy Park, Exeter; a fantastic new location just off the M5. It was a vibrant event with many clients attending the pre-conference dinner, lectures, and trade stands. Speakers included Baroness Minette Batters, who spoke about past and present plans. Natalie Smith from Tesco; talking about the role of retailers supporting UK Agriculture. It was great to see such a wide selection of producers and traders alike come together for the social event.
Mighty Hike 2025
Last year, friends and colleagues from PHS completed the 26-mile hike in Northumberland for Macmillan Cancer Support – they raised £2000! This year, they are back (+ a few more) to take on the 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike on the 19th of July! A JustGiving page has just been created – if you would like to support the PHS team, you can do so on the link below.
Thank You!
PHS involvement in local communities
Meet Henrietta, the scarecrow. She was made by Meaka, Abbie, and Anna (from the Sheriff Hutton PHS team) for the Village Scarecrow Competition and proudly represents young women in poultry production.
Advertise with us for free
Do you have a vacancy? Or want to sell equipment? Are you struggling to recruit? In Spring 2022, we launched the new PHS ‘Classifieds’ section – an online space for advertising jobs, equipment, services, and more for the poultry and gamebird industry in the UK. Please contact your local PHS branch for more information or to send us your advert. This service is available for free to PHS clients and for a small fee to non-clients.
Social Media
Social media is a great way for us to keep you up to date with what’s going on at PHS. We also like to share the occasional funny post, so if you’re a scroller then look us up! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter (@Poultryvets), and LinkedIn.
Our new Promo code!