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Annual EggTrack report highlights global progress
In the UK, 64.6 per cent of eggs are now cage-free.
Cage-free egg sourcing continues to rise despite challenges.

Compassion in World Farming's sixth annual EggTrack report has been released, revealing that more companies than ever before have made global commitments towards cafe-free egg production.

The EggTrack report tracks the progress of major food businesses against their cage-free egg commitments, and of the 232 companies featured in the report, 175 have reported progress towards the commitment they made to cage-free production.

Of the companies making progress, a 79.1 per cent average transition to cage-free sourcing was reported.

Highlights from the 2022 EggTrack report include that the demand for cage-free eggs is continuing to increase globally, and that the transition to cage-free production has remained uninterrupted, despite the impact of inflation and avian influenza.

Global director for food business at Compassion, Dr Tracey Jones, celebrated the progress revealed in the report: “Despite difficult economic times, companies are still forging ahead with their cage-free commitments which should be applauded. 

“It's fantastic to see an increase in global commitments from leading companies who are showing a reasonable transition to cage free.”

Advising major companies in their move towards cage-free production, Compassion in World Farming has said that companies must address all egg types in order to achieve 100 per cent cage-free sourcing, including shell eggs, egg products and ingredient eggs.

Companies should also ensure that the cage-free systems they transition into are fit for purpose, and collaborate with suppliers to check that the value chain is on track to fully implement cage-free commitments by expected deadlines.

Dr Jones continued: “EggTrack is an important tool in ensuring this progress continues, helping to drive transition and compliance. But going forward, companies must address all egg categories in their commitments and ensure the cage-free systems they transition into are fit for purpose.

“Cage-free production is a smart investment, as increasing consumer and corporate demand will only accelerate this global trend.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.