Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th December 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

FVE welcomes PHC for Campylobacter spp.
Effective PHC must be combined with interventions on poultry farms, such as improved biosecurity measures and rapid testing of flocks.
Calls for EU to agree PHC at slaughterhouse level
 
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has welcomed the introduction of process hygiene criterion (PHC) for Campylobacter spp. for poultry carcasses.

FVE is now calling for EU policy makers to agree upon a PHC at slaughterhouse level that will benefit the poultry market in the EU and increase protection for consumers.

Veterinary interventions to control Salmonella spp. - particularly in poultry flocks - alongside the use of microbiological criteria, resulted in a 44 per cent reduction in human salmonellosis cases within the European Union from 2008-2014.

FVE believes a similar approach could be used to reduce contamination from Campylobacter spp. in poultry, with major control measures at farm level, good hygienic practices (GHPs), hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) programmes and the adoption of a PHC at slaughterhouse level.

Effective PHC must be combined with interventions on poultry farms, such as improved biosecurity measures and rapid testing of flocks, the federation added.

Consumer awareness campaigns on hygienic handling, preparation and consumption of meat is also key. Epidemiological data suggest 20-30 per cent of human cases of campylobacteriosis are linked with cross-contamination of food in the home.

FVE has made three recommendations to EU policy makers:
  1. A PHC at slaughterhouse level which will benefit the EU poultry market and increase consumers' protection
  2. Regulate the implementation of Harmonised Epidemiological Indicators for Campylobacter spp., in particular the pathogen testing at farm level whose results will lead to the risk categorisation of poultry flocks
  3. Reinforce awareness among consumers on hygiene and handling practices of poultry meat and products at home

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.