Stakeholder Meetings
Poultry Industry Stakeholder Meeting, 18 April 2006 at 2 pm
Present
Ian Anderson (Chair) SEERAD
Charles Milne (CVO) SEERAD
Debbie King SEERAD
Charles Russell SEERAD
Alex Young SEERAD
Brian Logan SEERAD
Dennis Surgenor SEPRA
John Campbell Glenrath Farms
Jim McLaren NFUS
Scott Walker NFUS
Mike Flynn SSPCA
Michael Darrah Deans Foods
Dan Pearson GCF
Fiona Moriarty SRC
Charles McManus PD Hook
Tom Young COSLA
Bill Stanley (by phone) Aviagen
Louisa Platt (by phone) BEIC
Peter Bradnock (by phone) BPC
1. Update
Charles Milne (CM) confirmed there had been no further positive laboratory results in GB and there were no outstanding reports of disease in Scotland. The lifting of zones will be calculated using the date samples were taken to the laboratory as day zero (31 March). We are working to lift the PZ 21 clear days and the SZ 30 clear days after 31 March. The intention is to lift the WBRA at the same time as the SZ.
Enhanced surveillance continues with weekly results published on the Defra website. In addition, various ornithological groups are monitoring whooper swan populations outwith the WBRA.
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2. Action points since last meeting
In terms of illegally dumped poultry Mike Flynn said that no additional cases had been reported to the SSPCA since the last meeting. We will issue guidance to poultry keepers in future correspondence. It was agreed that the remaining action points had been addressed.
3. Licensing
Debbie King (DK) talked the group through the licensing paper which was written in the context of infection in wild birds and designed to help keep commercial interests in the PZ / SZ moving on a case by case basis. DK confirmed that completion of the full set of licences has been prioritised in preparedness for any further developments. The aim is to put a system in place which enables commerce to continue, balanced with the need for the observance of biosecurity measures.
It was confirmed that industry would apply for licences at the local Animal Health Office appropriate to the location of the applicant. Tom Young's offer of assistance from Local Authorities in issuing of licences was thanked and noted.
The need for advance designations was raised. DK confirmed that the next piece of work would produce a 'slaughterhouse application pack' with a 'hatcheries pack' to follow. Designation criteria is high priority.
Clarity was requested on the possible requirement for the licensing of movements of dead birds.
Action point: DK to confirm if covered under animal by-products.
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4. AOB
Fiona Moriarty confirmed UK-wide poultry sales for period 8 - 13 April saw a small drop-off, although in some places like for like sales were up on the same period for last year. Group members felt egg sales were holding up well with no significant drop.
Ian Anderson (IA) confirmed that we would be undertaking a full wash-up of the Cellardyke incident which would also include the suspect case in Orkney. Stakeholders were encouraged to give their reaction (formally or informally) to our process of engagement and were positive in their responses with the importance of media handling being reiterated. It was confirmed that our Press Office would be involved in the wash-up sessions.
Action point: SEERAD to consider means of improving early communications with key stakeholders.
Dan Pearson highlighted his concern over the possible oversupply from countries who are experiencing a drop in sales in their domestic markets. He also sought further clarity on wild bird surveillance to assist him in answering queries on the efficacy of wild bird testing. CM confirmed that information on testing regimes and prioritising of samples was available if required.
Tom Young confirmed that Local Authorities felt well informed but asked that the COSLA president be involved earlier in a co-ordinating role.
Action point: IA will speak with Civil Contingencies Unit about co-ordination and report back.
It was agreed that subject to further developments the group would not arrange a further meeting relating to this particular incident.
IA thanked the group for their attendance at short notice and for their valuable input.
Summary of action points
Action point 1: DK to confirm if covered under animal by-products.
Action point 2: SEERAD to consider means of improving early communications with key stakeholders.
Action point 3: IA will speak with Civil Contingencies Unit about co-ordination and report back.
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