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Changes in the regulation of poultry marketing in the UK

By
Sophi Fairman
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The UK is currently facing significant changes to its poultry marketing regulations, which have sparked considerable discussion within the industry. These changes are primarily driven by the need to align with evolving standards and to address challenges posed by recent avian influenza outbreaks.

One of the key proposals under consideration is the amendment of the 12-week derogation period. This period allows free-range poultry meat to be labeled as such even when mandatory housing measures, like those enforced during avian influenza outbreaks, restrict birds’ access to open-air runs. The proposed change aims to extend this period, ensuring that producers are not unfairly penalized during such outbreaks.

Another significant change involves the removal of a certification requirement for imported poultry meat that includes one or more Optional Indications (OIs). This requirement has never been practically used, and its removal is expected to simplify the import process and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

These proposed amendments are part of a broader consultation launched by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on October 21, 2024. The consultation seeks input from various stakeholders, including poultry producers, processors, retailers, importers, exporters, and consumers. The goal is to ensure that the regulations are fair and do not place UK producers at a competitive disadvantage compared to their European counterparts.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has expressed support for these changes, highlighting that they will provide much-needed certainty and stability for poultry businesses. NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead stated that these moves are welcomed by the sector as they ensure that poultry producers are not left at a competitive disadvantage.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some industry leaders and processors have raised concerns that the changes might not go far enough to protect the UK poultry sector from potential disruptions caused by future avian influenza outbreaks. They argue that more comprehensive measures are needed to safeguard the industry and consumer interests.

The consultation period is set to close on December 16, 2024, after which Defra will review the feedback and make final decisions on the proposed amendments. The outcome of this consultation will be crucial in shaping the future of poultry marketing regulations in the UK, ensuring that they are robust, fair, and capable of addressing the challenges faced by the industry.

In conclusion, the proposed changes to the UK’s poultry marketing regulations represent a significant step towards modernizing the industry and aligning it with current challenges and standards. While there is broad support for these changes, the consultation process will be key in addressing any remaining concerns and ensuring that the final regulations benefit all stakeholders involved.

Source: avinews.com

Tyson Foods Sees Strong Performance in Poultry and Prepared Foods

By
Sophi Fairman
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Tyson Foods reported significant improvements in its financial performance for the fiscal year ending Sept. 28, largely driven by its Poultry and Prepared Foods segments. Despite challenges from a reduced cattle supply impacting the beef industry, the company achieved better results through operational efficiency and strategic adjustments.

For the fiscal year, Tyson Foods posted a profit of $800 million, reversing a $649 million loss from the previous year. Annual sales rose slightly to $53.3 billion, up from $52.9 billion in fiscal 2023. The fourth quarter also showed improvement, with Tyson earning $357 million compared to a loss of $450 million in the same period last year. Quarterly sales increased from $13.3 billion to $13.6 billion.

The Poultry segment delivered notable gains, with sales rising 2.3% in the fourth quarter to $4.25 billion. Operating income for the quarter surged to $356 million, a dramatic improvement from $75 million in the prior year. For the full year, Poultry operating income reached $1.02 billion, compared to a $77 million loss in fiscal 2023. These results were attributed to better alignment of supply and demand, lower input costs, and improved operational efficiencies.

The Prepared Foods segment also showed steady progress. Quarterly sales slightly dipped to $2.47 billion, but operating income grew 30% year-over-year to $205 million. For the full year, operating income increased nearly 2%, reaching $905 million. Tyson highlighted opportunities for further profitability by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving service levels.

The Beef segment faced headwinds due to a tighter cattle supply, which affected profitability despite a rise in sales. Operating income for the year showed a loss of $291 million, a decline from the $233 million in income recorded in fiscal 2023. Meanwhile, the Pork segment saw modest growth, with annual sales rising 2.2% to $5.9 billion. Improved margins and increased volume helped offset lower average prices.

Tyson’s focus on controlling capital expenditures also contributed to its financial turnaround. Spending decreased from nearly $1.94 billion in fiscal 2023 to just over $1.1 billion in fiscal 2024. For fiscal 2025, the company expects capital investments to remain steady at approximately $1 billion to $1.2 billion, emphasizing maintenance and profit-improvement initiatives.

Looking ahead, Tyson projects flat or slightly lower sales for fiscal 2025. However, growth in operating income is expected, driven by continued success in the Poultry and Prepared Foods segments, with total company adjusted operating income forecasted between $1.8 billion and $2.2 billion.

What Canada does to monitor H5N1 avian flu

By
Sophi Fairman
-

A teenager diagnosed with bird flu in British Columbia is the first domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.

Since Influenza A or flu viruses are named after the animal where they are most commonly found, avian viruses are naturally found in birds.

H5N1 is a highly transmissible and usually mild disease in geese, swans and seagulls as well as domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. It has also spread to mammals.

Scientists at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg sequenced the genome of the virus from the infected B.C. teen to confirm it is H5N1. The tests showed the version of the virus is related to the avian influenza viruses from the ongoing outbreak in poultry in B.C., the Public Health Agency of Canada said Wednesday.

The version is not the same as the one spreading in dairy cattle in the U.S., PHAC added.

What are the risks to humans?

The H5N1 form of avian influenza remains a virus mainly found in birds.

“Based on current evidence, the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public remains low at this time,” PHAC said. “The risk of avian influenza infection is higher for those who have unprotected exposure to infected animals.”

That’s why officials encourage people who work closely with livestock, such as poultry and dairy farmers, to wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, masks and gloves.

Bird flu particles, colorized microscope imagery.
The one known human case in Canada is a teenager in B.C. who is in critical condition. (NIAID/Flickr)

In British Columbia, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in a news conference on Tuesday that humans may be infected by “inhaling the virus in aerosols, in droplets that get into the eyes, back of the throat, nose or deep into the lungs.”

The one known human case in Canada is a teenager in B.C. who is in critical condition, Henry said. About three dozen people who were in contact with the teen have been tested for the virus and none have evidence of infection.

Worldwide, “there’s been very few that might have been transmitted from person to person, so in some ways this is reassuring, in that this virus doesn’t seem to spread easily between people if they get infections. But it also causes very severe illness, particularly in young people,” Henry told reporters.

Henry said it’s very likely that the B.C. teen’s infection took place due to an exposure to either a sick animal or something in the environment, but it is a “real possibility” that researchers may never determine the source.

What are some ways to try to stay safe?

Since the spring of 2022, millions of poultry birds have been culled in Canada to contain an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), including flocks in B.C.’s commercial poultry sector.

“One of the important things that we need to do right now, recognizing that this virus is circulating in wildfowl, so geese and ducks primarily, is to be sure that if you’re in contact with sick birds or dead birds that you don’t touch them directly,” Henry advised.

People are also advised to keep pets away from dead birds since pets, including a dog recently in Ontario, have become infected by biting or eating a dead bird.

“If you have influenza-like symptoms, you should report that immediately to a health-care provider and if you have been in contact with sick animals to basically emphasize that, so that appropriate testing can be done,” Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, suggested.

How was the human case in B.C. identified?

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, noted the detection was picked up by surveillance at hospitals. People with a respiratory condition are tested for COVID-19, RSV and influenza when they are hospitalized, infectious disease physicians say.

What types of surveillance are there for H5N1?

Henry said wastewater testing looks for H5 influenza in B.C.

But current wastewater testing does not distinguish between human and animal sources. The tests also don’t distinguish between low pathogenic avian influenza and high pathogenic viruses that can cause a lot of illness or death, researchers have reported.

The federal government’s wastewater monitoring dashboard for respiratory activity like influenza includes a map of sites across the country that submit wastewater samples.

Dead gannet bird on the southern Avalon Peninsula in 2002.
Public health officials advise against touching sick or dead birds directly. (Patrick Butler/CBC/Radio-Canada)

PHAC said provincial and territorial public health agencies must report both “confirmed and probable” H5N1 cases within 24 hours.

What is Canada doing to keep out the U.S. version of H5N1?

Bird flu has affected more than 450 dairy farms in 15 states in the U.S. since March. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists 46 human cases of bird flu since April, with no cases of human-to-human transmission.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has also been testing milk for signs of H5N1 in dairy cows. Canada has had no cases of H5N1 reported in dairy cattle.

There’s also no evidence of bird flu in samples of commercial milk. “Milk and milk products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said.

As of April 29, CFIA added to its export certificate requirements for breeding cattle from the U.S., such as certification that lactating cows have tested negative for Influenza A virus.

For poultry, since Feb. 11, 2022, the CFIA has restricted the import of bird by-products from regions with active outbreaks to try to keep out forms of avian influenza that are pathogenic to birds.

The CFIA also requires farmers to report if they suspect their poultry or livestock have avian influenza. The agency says there are currently 28 premises in B.C. with avian flu infections, along with two in Alberta and one in Saskatchewan.

Source: CBC.ca – Amina Zafar

Bird Flu Confirmed in Southwest England, Triggers Protective Measures

By
Sophi Fairman
-

Authorities in Britain have identified a case of the H5N1 bird flu strain in commercial poultry at a site near St Ives, southwest England, according to a government statement on Sunday.

To contain the outbreak, all birds on the affected premises will be humanely culled. Additionally, officials have established a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the location.

This marks the first detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain in kept birds this season. The announcement follows recent cases of HPAI H5N5 found in wild birds across southwest England and parts of continental Europe.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has led to the deaths of hundreds of millions of birds worldwide in recent years. Its spread to mammals has raised concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission.

In mid-October, Britain elevated its bird flu threat level to medium. The country has faced multiple outbreaks over the years, including a significant event in 2021, which was described as the largest bird flu outbreak in its history.

This robotic coop keeps chickens on the move

By
Sophi Fairman
-

The chickens on Manners Farms were happier, healthier, and tastier after a trial run of Northern Ontario’s first fully automated pasture barn this past summer.

Farming couple Zach and Chelsea Manners are the first in the North to follow the burgeoning trend toward farming automation on their 160-acre poultry farm in the heart of Temiskaming Shores’ agricultural district. But they likely will not be the last.

“It’s 100 per cent changed our routines,” said Zach. “I don’t have to get up quite so early to do chores. It doesn’t get to the point of burnout so it lets you enjoy farming.”

Before buying their Rova Barn, manufactured by the Manitoba-based company Ukkö Robotics, Zach had been tied down to a “daily grind” of feeding the birds several times a day in a “controlled feed” program to prevent the negative health effects that result from over-feeding.

“With the old system,” said Zach, “I was weighing feed every day, driving out to the pasture with the tractor, and filling the waters.”

After seeing and tentatively pricing the Rova Barn online, the Manners thought they would have to put off buying one until they managed to save enough money.

But the couple were able to acquire the technology much sooner as a result of receiving a grant through the Sustainable New Agri-Food Products and Productivity (SNAPP) program administered by the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN).

A division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, RAIN strives to enhance farming and food sector business growth by developing initiatives through innovative research and agricultural development projects.

SNAPP provides individual applicants like Manners Farms with up to $10,000 at 50 per cent cost-share towards the purchase of equipment or technology that will allow for enhanced productivity and efficiency through innovation.

“Had we not got the grant, we would have had to wait a year, maybe two,” Zach said. “It was a big help.”

$7,000 USPOULTRY Foundation Student Recruiting Grant Awarded to Cleveland Community College

By
Sophi Fairman
-

The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded a $7,000 student recruiting grant to Cleveland Community College (CCC) in Shelby, North Carolina. CCC successfully completed its second year offering applied animal science courses to students in the agriculturally rich foothills of North Carolina. Through its Associate in Applied Animal Science Technology degree program, CCC provides students with a strong foundational education, preparing them for careers in the poultry industry and related fields.

To foster engagement with the poultry industry, the animal science program organized a variety of field trips and events in collaboration with Case Farms, the Farm Bureau, 4-H and Cooperative Extension poultry agents. Each activity saw participation from 15-30 students, along with representatives from the key organizations as well as N.C. Farm Link and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, which offered valuable connections with potential employers.

Grant funds will support recruitment efforts at high school and middle school career fairs, as well as targeted classroom presentations within middle and high school agricultural programs. Additionally, the funds will be used to host recruitment camps like Animal Science Days, agritourism events, field trips, mock poultry judging contests and other activities designed to engage students and connect them with careers in the poultry and egg industries. These initiatives aim to strengthen the pipeline between education and employment in the sector.

The USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling $324,215 to 28 colleges and universities across the U.S. with a poultry science department or industry-related degree program. The Foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract or connect students to their poultry programs or industry. The grants were made possible in part by gifts to the USPOULTRY Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association

TARGAN Secures Major European Contract with Poland’s IKO Kompania Drobiarska at EuroTier 2024

By
Sophi Fairman
-

Animal AgTech company TARGAN, Inc. (TARGAN) has announced a new contract with IKO Kompania Drobiarska (IKO), for the installation of WingScan™, TARGAN’s automated feather-sexing system. Following its debut at EuroTier 2024 in Hannover, Germany, this collaboration demonstrates TARGAN’s commitment to delivering innovative, AI-powered solutions to poultry producers across Europe.

Founded in 1999, IKO is a fully integrated poultry producer in Poland, providing high-quality protein products to major retailers, wholesalers, and partners across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The company’s CEO, Zbigniew Idziaszek, said, “We’re proud to be one of the first in Europe to integrate WingScan™ into our hatchery and look forward to the positive impact as we continue to expand our operations. TARGAN’s system aligns perfectly with our goals of increasing efficiency, enhancing quality, and improving welfare standards across all stages of production.”

The WingScan™ system offers a throughput of 40,000–160,000 chicks per hour, depending on configuration, with up to 98% accuracy. Automated chick sexing enhances efficiency and performance, providing downstream benefits at both the farm and processing levels. By implementing gender-specific rearing strategies, producers can improve flock uniformity, ultimately optimizing plant operations.

Ramin Karimpour, TARGAN’s Founder and CEO, said, “As the first commercial feather-sexing system, our WingScan™ patented technology has proven its value to producers across North America, processing nearly half a billion birds to date. Now available for European customers, our WingScan™ systems have been specifically designed with the European market in mind, bringing proven reliability, precision, and dedicated support to hatcheries.”

Viscon Hatchery Automation, TARGAN’s commercial distribution and service partner for WingScan™ across select European markets, was instrumental in facilitating the agreement with IKO. Area Sales Manager, Tomasz Zimnicki, said, “This collaboration provides a tremendous opportunity to meet the specific needs of the European market. IKO is well-positioned to fully capitalize on the downstream benefits at every stage of production—from hatchery to farm to processing plant—maintaining a strong competitive edge. We are excited about the continued collaboration between TARGAN and Viscon and are fully prepared to provide the highest quality support and service as more customers adopt the WingScan™ system.”

The European launch of WingScan™ reaffirms TARGAN’s commitment to advancing animal protein production globally by delivering scalable, next-generation automation that meets the increasing demands of the poultry industry.

Episode 2: Advancing Education and Training in Poultry Medicine with Dr. Teryn Girard

By
Jim
-

In this episode, Dr. Teryn Girard, an educator and mentor in poultry medicine, shares her journey and passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of poultry veterinarians. She discusses her approach to educating both students and industry professionals, highlighting the benefits of innovative methods like simulation-based training and online learning platforms. These tools are revolutionizing access to education and enhancing hands-on experience for aspiring poultry vets.

Dr. Girard also offers valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in poultry veterinary medicine. To conclude the series, we reflect on the groundbreaking work of Prairie Livestock Veterinarians in advancing poultry health management through technology and innovation. Join us as we explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in this dynamic field.

Watch now to learn how Dr. Teryn Girard is shaping the future of poultry veterinary medicine!

Continue

ALPINE reaches the top of anatomic leg processing

By
Jim
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Simplifying optimal performance and yield for chicken legs 

As demand for deboned leg meat continues to rise, ALPINE (Anatomic Leg Processor Innovative New Evolution) addresses processors’ needs for increased production volumes while maximizing yield and quality. The innovative ALPINE module, fitting in Marel’s ACM-NT cut-up line, represents a significant leap forward in anatomic leg processing. Its ability to maintain top-level performance while handling a wide range of weights and reducing labor dependency sets a new industry standard.

Quite some advanced technologies have been implemented to realize ALPINE’s high performance, such as the Hip Dislocation Wheel. This unique feature allows for precise control of the hip tilting movement—needed to achieve an anatomical cut—without exerting excessive force or removing the leg from the shackle. It results in improved performance and virtually nonexistent leg loss. To further enhance accuracy and minimize errors, ALPINE incorporates advanced back piece separation and detection technology, which prevents incorrectly cut legs. Optionally, processors can integrate a special module to remove groin skin automatically, meeting specific market demands while saving considerable manual trimming labor.

Ease of Operation

Equipped with a user-friendly HMI touchscreen, ALPINE makes it easy to enter a recipe that matches the specific characteristics of the incoming flock. This automatically engages the proper machine settings to provide the highest possible leg yield. The screen also shows performance data, enabling processors to monitor key metrics such as back piece detection, leg loss, and unprocessed legs. Built-in machine software provides this real-time and historical performance data. Such proactive insights minimize the need for manual intervention and prevent downtime. ALPINE’s data-driven approach enables processors to maintain peak performance with minimal need for maintenance.

Wide Weight Range with Consistent Results

ALPINE is designed to process high-yield anatomic legs across an unprecedented range of bird weights without requiring major adjustments. This versatility is particularly valuable for processors handling diverse flock weights, enabling them to optimize operations even in markets that process big birds. Regardless of weight fluctuations, the result will always be consistent: a high-yield leg. Compatible with both water-chilled and air-chilled lines, ALPINE easily integrates into existing setups and pairs excellently with Marel’s Thigh Fillet System, at a capacity of up to 7,200 products per hour.

Saving Labor

By keeping legs in the shackles throughout the process, ALPINE practically eliminates product drops and minimizes rework, downtime, and labor. Digital operation, automated settings, reduced need for adjustments, and precise performance monitoring further highlight its labor-saving advantages. Touchscreen control and the broad weight range further contribute to ALPINE’s efficiency, ease of use, and consistently high yield.

For more information, visit marel.com/alpine.

Merck Animal Health Launches Safe-Guard AquaSol® for Backyard Chicken Flocks with FDA Approval

By
Jim
-

Merck Animal Health recently announced that the FDA has approved its new product, Safe-Guard AquaSol® (fenbendazole oral suspension), for use in backyard chicken flocks. This innovative solution is designed to help poultry owners effectively manage and treat common parasitic infections, marking a valuable addition to poultry health products for non-commercial, backyard flocks.

Safe-Guard AquaSol® offers an easy-to-administer oral suspension that targets gastrointestinal parasites, specifically roundworms, which are prevalent in backyard chickens and can affect their overall health and productivity. The product’s water-soluble formula makes it convenient for owners to administer through drinking water, ensuring thorough and effective treatment for entire flocks without the need for individual dosing.

This FDA approval signifies Merck Animal Health’s commitment to providing safe, accessible solutions for poultry health across various flock sizes and types. As more people turn to backyard poultry for egg production and as pets, Safe-Guard AquaSol® presents a timely option for backyard chicken owners to enhance their flock management practices with trusted and effective parasite control.

Safe-Guard AquaSol® is available through licensed veterinary suppliers and provides a valuable tool for backyard poultry enthusiasts, contributing to healthier birds and improved productivity in small-scale, non-commercial flocks.

 

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