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ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

Version 5.1

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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

CH.AH.1 Key

Standards

A Flock Health Plan to proactively manage and improve health and welfare of birds must be established and implemented. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CH.AH.1.a

Is specific to a farm or group of farms under same company’s control.

CH.AH.1.b

Is prepared and reviewed by the vet that has overall responsibility for the care of the animals.

CH.AH.1.c

Is reviewed annually or more often in the event of substantial changes to husbandry practices or poor performance.

CH.AH.1.d

Contains a strategy for the prevention and control of common diseases.

CH.AH.1.e

Sets out health and husbandry procedures covering the whole of the production cycle/year.

CH.AH.1.f

Sets out a vaccination programme, which is tailored to the needs of the farm.

CH.AH.1.g

Is available to all members of staff who have responsibility for birds.

Health Plan

CH.AH.2

Standards

Records of the health and performance of all birds must be maintained.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.2.a

Records are present for current and previous flock/hatchery cycles.

CH.AH.2.b

Records are up to date.

CH.AH.2.d

- Any problems or extraordinary events - Veterinary advice

CH.AH.2.e

Injury and cull records for each hatching day.

Health and performance records

CH.AH.4

Standards

The health and welfare of birds must be met at all times.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.4.a

Any health or welfare issues have been detected and are being managed.

CH.AH.5

Standards

The health and welfare of birds must be checked regularly.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.5.a

Regular checks looking for signs of illness, injury and stress.

Flock inspection records

CH.AH.6 Key

Standards

Birds must be handled in a way that avoids injury and minimises stress.

CH.AH.7.1

Standards

There must be a named Welfare Officer who is responsible for co-ordinating welfare on-farm/in the hatchery. (New)

How you will be measured

CH.AH.7.1.a

The Welfare Officer's name and contact number are displayed on farm/in the hatchery.

CH.AH.7.1.b

The Welfare Officer is responsible for: - liaison with vets, Defra, APHA - ensuring all staff are fully trained in welfare issues - monitoring welfare policies, procedures and standards

CH.AH.7.2 Key

Standards

All poultry farms/hatcheries must retain the services of a named veterinary surgeon or practice.

CH.AH.8 Key

Standards

Sick or injured birds/chicks must receive prompt attention in order that suffering is not prolonged.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.8.a

If mortality by house exceeds 0.3% in a 24 hour period the cause is investigated.

CH.AH.9 Key

Standards

Birds that do not respond to treatment or require emergency euthanasia must be promptly and humanely euthanased by a trained and competent person.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.9.d

Decision to euthanase made by a trained and competent person.

CH.AH.9.e

Euthanasia carried out in accordance with a documented method that is recommended by the Humane Slaughter Association, at no more than 15 minute intervals.

CH.AH.9.f

In-shell embryos are macerated in accordance with relevant legislation.

CH.AH.9.g

Unviable chicks are identified and euthanased.

CH.AH.9.h

Staff that euthanase chicks are trained.

CH.AH.10.2

Standards

Hatcheries must be monitored for Salmonella.

How you will be measured

CH.AH.10.2.a

Tests are carried out in a Government authorised laboratory.

Salmonella testing records kept for two years