The rising incidence of avian influenza in the UK has led insurance providers to emphasize the urgency for poultry producers to secure insurance policies against the virus.
In partnership with the NFU, NFU Mutual has reopened its avian influenza insurance policies for new applicants. This initiative comes as the NFU seeks to provide solutions for poultry producers facing the risk of being uninsured as the peak transmission season approaches.
Nonetheless, prospective policyholders should act swiftly, as the application window for NFU Mutual will close on 1 September of this year.
High-Risk Period Ahead
Adam Williams, NFU Mutual’s animal disease portfolio manager, remarked, “To sustain our avian influenza insurance offerings, we reopened general new business outside our scheme for the first time in three years last April. The policy book is set to close again on 1 September 2025, ahead of the high-risk season, contingent on outbreak developments.”
James Mottershead, chair of the NFU Poultry Board, emphasized the crucial need for insurance that provides coverage against losses due to avian influenza outbreaks. “We are on the brink of a critical phase for poultry producers, heightening the need for comprehensive insurance coverage,” he stated. “Producers facing issues can reach out to NFU CallFirst for guidance and support.”
Advice and Support
Concurrently, RSPCA Assured has responded to the concerns raised by new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, offering guidance and support to poultry producers. For instance, alternative assessment options may be available if a farm is under a mandatory housing order or located within a 10km or 3km avian influenza control zone.
Allan Pearson, farming and technical engagement manager at RSPCA Assured, expressed his concern: “The escalating number of avian influenza outbreaks has become an unfortunate reality. We recognize the stress it brings and pledge to support farmers during these challenging times. Our technical team is available to offer practical guidance to ensure members uphold RSPCA welfare standards amidst an outbreak.”
Biosecurity and Welfare Measures
RSPCA Assured provides a dedicated online resource to help producers implement additional biosecurity measures, plan for contingencies, and enhance flock welfare during a housing mandate.
The assessors at RSPCA Assured follow specific biosecurity protocols that include:
- Utilizing foot dips, sanitation stations, and wearing protective footwear.
- Carrying FFP3 masks and disposable gloves as needed.
- Observing members’ protocols regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when moving between sheds.
- Properly disposing of all PPE as per the member’s request at the end of visits.
- Spraying vehicle wheels with disinfectant upon exiting the farm site.
Proactive Welfare Practices
Producers can also adopt several proactive measures to enhance flock welfare during housing orders, such as:
- Providing enrichment in sheds to facilitate important foraging behaviors, such as hanging alfalfa or lucerne in hay nets.
- Scattering feed or grit in the litter for laying hens and turkeys to stimulate natural foraging.
- Ensuring that enrichments are clean and stored securely to prevent avian influenza contamination.
- Introducing fine particles to encourage indoor dust bathing.
For additional resources and information, members can visit the RSPCA Assured website.
