Avian Influenza update as of 27th September 2024
For an overview of the current confirmed cases and advice, please visit:
Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza- H5N5 strain detected in wild pheasants in Worcestershire and in seabirds in the highlands and Northumberland this last week. As H5N5 has only been found in wild birds, not domestic, this does not count as a case and will not impact on country freedom, there are no control zones at the moment, but the situation is constantly reviewed. Dead wild birds should be reported for surveillance of disease. H5N1 strain is still being found in migratory birds in Europe with some sporadic cases in poultry. With this in mind, it is important to remain constantly vigilant with biosecurity protocols on site. Use of a DEFRA approved disinfectant in a foot dip is strongly advised. Good biosecurity is still the most important control measure we have. For shoots, the sharing beaters, dogs, equipment, between shoots is a huge biosecurity risk and should be avoided. It is too early to predict how the winter season will be affected by AI but we should remain on high alert. NFU Mutual have temporarily re-opened their AI insurance offering for new business. This is unaffected by this recent finding in wild birds and will remain open until midday Friday 4th October. If you would like to discuss your particular circumstances or you require a biosecurity assessment, please contact any of our vets who will be happy to assist you. Note: If your farm is in an Avian Influenza control zone then additional measures will apply as indicated by APHA.
The Increase In Cases of Adenovirus
We have seen an increasing number of Adenovirus cases in broilers, generally taking two forms. A high mortality spike around day 9, with high mortality for around 5 days, which then slowly reduces. Post mortem often reveals classic liver lesions identified by vets. Less severe forms can be seen with poor growth and unevenness and gizzard erosion found on PM. The virus can also lead to reduced flock immunity and increased risk of secondary bacterial infections. It is important to have any concerns investigated by your vet so they can take the appropriate samples and diagnose any conditions. Again, good biosecurity should be practiced at all times, particularly between houses, especially if there are concerns with a particular house.
For more information please contact your local PHS branch.
First class postage going up from October 2024
Royal Mail has announced that it will increase the price of first- class stamps by 30p. This means that the new price of a first class stamp will be £1.65, while second-class stamps will remain at 85p. This means our prepaid service cost will increase to the following (ex VAT)
Prepaid label – £6.65
Medium prepaid envelope – £7.65
Large prepaid envelope – £8.00
Benefits of using Agricure Probio
When using antibiotics, the normal gut flora gets disturbed as antibiotics do not only remove harmful bacteria, but they remove “good bacteria” which is needed for optimal performance and growth. By using probiotics (such as Agricure Probio) after the course of antibiotics has been completed, the gut flora is quickly restored which in turn, reduces the chances of overgrowth of bacteria such as Clostridia or infections by Salmonella. By doing this, we have significantly reduced the number of cases where a second course of antibiotic was needed. For more information on Agricure Probio or any of the Agricure products within the Agricure range, discuss with your vet how we can best help your farm.
Parklands Poultry Vets and Digiflock
Parklands Poultry Vets in Northern Ireland and Poultry Health Services are both poultry practices within the VetPartners group. Poultry Health Services (PHS) vets and clients have been using the Digiflock database for a number of years, in which the database has been improved and updated. We continue to collect feedback from clients and the system (which is free of charge for our clients) is constantly improving and evolving. We are delighted that from November 2024, Parklands Vets and their clients will be able to benefit from the use of Digiflock too. For PHS clients, the only change that you will notice is that the Parklands logo will appear alongside the PHS vets logo. For Parklands clients, you will be able to access all your clinical records at the click of a button. If you have any queries regarding this change, please contact your local PHS branch.
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM – Mighty Hike for Team PHS
On the 14th of September 2024 PHS colleagues took part in a Mighty Hike along the beautiful Northumberland coastline to raise money for people living with cancer. The hike started in Alnwick and finished at Bamburgh Castle
(26 miles down the Coast). HUGE CONTRATULATIONS for completing the walk and raising £1200 which will be doubled to £2400 by Vet Partners.
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!