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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th March 2014
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Plans to tackle campylobacter stepped up
chicken
Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK.
Key organisations discuss practical methods to reduce food poisoning

A working group comprising government and food industry stakeholders has stepped up its efforts to tackle campylobacter in raw poultry meat.

At its most recent meeting, the group - which includes the National Farmer's Union (NFU), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra - discussed practical methods of controlling the bacteria on farm.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said industry collaboration is essential to finding a solution to campylobacter.

"Campylobacter is not a new issue for the poultry industry," he said. "It is a very complex organism which is able to adapt to different environments.

"It's incredibly positive to see how much research the industry has undertaken and has in the pipeline for the near future."

Those in attendance heard updates on research projects that are currently being carried out to establish the most effective measures, for example through improved packaging and improving consumer awareness of correct handling and storage of raw poultry meat.

Bob Martin, head of food-borne disease strategy at FSA, said: "Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK so it is vital we work together to tackle this problem.

"We must look at every stage of the food chain to identify solutions that will make a real impact and we welcome the work the NFU and other partners are doing to help us achieve this."

Mr Martin added that as well reducing the level of contamination in raw products, improving consumer awareness of safe food handling is essential.

A conference will be held at NFU headquarters on March 28 to bring together stakeholders in sharing best practice and areas for development.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.