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: 9th January 2017
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

Charity forced to let 12,000 hens go to slaughter
hens
“We are best known for saving the lives of thousands of hens intended for slaughter so this is a difficult time for us". (stock photo)
Avian flu threat prevents planned hen collections
 
The British Hen Welfare Trust is currently on ‘lockdown’ and has been forced to let 12,000 hens go to slaughter amid concerns about avian influenza in the UK.

The hens were due to be collected by the charity for rehoming in December, January and February but UK restrictions to prevent the spread of avian influenza meant the birds had to go to slaughter.

A prevention zone in place until 28 February requires poultry and other captive birds to be housed indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds. Gatherings of birds are also temporarily prohibited. The measures were put in place following outbreaks of avian influenza H5N8 in Europe.

Outbreaks have also been confirmed on a Lincolnshire turkey farm in December and in backyard flocks in Wales and Yorkshire, as well as in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Hen Welfare Trust finds retirement homes for caged hens destined for slaughter. Its founder, Jane Howorth MBE, commented: “We are best known for saving the lives of thousands of hens intended for slaughter so this is a difficult time for us.

“However, we take pride in acting responsibly and agree that Defra’s decision to extend the prevention zone to help protect national backyard and commercial poultry was the right one.

“Everything we do as a charity revolves around hen welfare so we are greatly saddened that 12,000 hens didn’t get their chance to enjoy a free range retirement, but we are looking forward to March when we hope that thousands will be able to enjoy the spring sunshine for the first time.”

The charity is reminding hen keepers that the latest outbreak of avian flu was in a backyard flock, and that it is currently a legal requirement to house birds indoors.

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

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'