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: 13th March 2012
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
Egg shortage possible for NI
Ban on battery cages blamed

The Ulster Farmer's Union (UFU) has warned that Northern Ireland may face an egg shortage as a result of the ban on battery cages. UFU Poultry Chairman John McLenaghan has argued that the expense of transitioning from battery cages to 'enriched' cages that place a greater emphasis on the animals' welfare has forced up to 15% of NI's producers out of business, leading to a drop in production. It is possible that prices will rise as a result.

Mr McLenaghan added that he felt supermarkets should be ‘prepared to pay a fair price if they want to maintain their supply base of quality eggs produced to the highest welfare standards in the world'.

A ban on battery cages came into force on January 1st 2012 as a result of European Union Council Directive 1999/74/EC. The larger 'enriched' cages mandated by the Directive give the chickens a greater cage space of 750 cm² per hen (of which 600 cm² should be 45 cm high), a littered area for scratching and pecking, a nest, a claw shortening device, and 15 cm of perch and 12 cm of food trough per hen, thus improving their living conditions, quality of life and general welfare in a meaningful sense. 

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

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. 

Click here for more...
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.