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Avian flu impact puts poultry rare breeds under threat
“The UK’s brilliant array of rare and native poultry is under serious threat” – Tom Davis.
Rare breeds charity adds every native poultry breed to ‘priority’ category.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has moved all of the UK’s native poultry breeds into the ‘priority’ category of its annual watchlist.

The move has been made due to the significant impact on breeding programmes in recent years from the combination of avian influenza restrictions and the rising cost of animal husbandry.

The latest watchlist has also highlighted the plight of native pig breeds. Seven of the 11 native pig breeds remain in the ‘priority’ category and the majority of rare pig breeds are showing a sustained decline in sow numbers.

Tom Davis, an RBST trustee and farm manager said: “The UK’s brilliant array of rare and native poultry is under serious threat. Under the continued threat of avian influenza, there is a clear decline in active breeding programmes and when breed populations are so low, losing flocks can be devastating.”

Because of the challenges facing rare pig and poultry breeds, RBST has called on the government to do more to encourage people to keep them.

Christopher Price, RBST chief executive, said: “The government’s new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme encourages farmers and smallholders to choose native breeds for grazing, but it does nothing to help safeguard the future of our native pig and poultry breeds.

“Today’s watchlist shows the outlook for our rare pig and poultry breeds is a great concern, we want to see the ELM’s SP8 supplement broadened to include native pigs and poultry as well as grazing animals.”

However, the report has revealed some conservation success stories. Sheep breeds such as the Norfolk horn and the greyface Dartmoor are growing in numbers, with the latter moving out of the ‘at risk’ category.

The saddleback pig has also had a good year, despite the general decline in pig numbers. The number of pedigree registered progeny increased by 16 per cent and the number of breeders grew by 12 per cent.

Image © Shutterstock

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
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WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.