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ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

Version 5.1

Click to view all ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

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

KH.AH.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KH.AH.2.a

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

KH.AH.2.b

Records are up to date.

KH.AH.2.e

Cull records for each hatching day.

Health and performance records

KH.AH.4

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KH.AH.4.a

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

KH.AH.6 Key

Standards

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

KH.AH.7 Key

Standards

All persons looking after the health and welfare of birds/ducklings must be demonstrably competent.

How you will be measured

KH.AH.7.a

Staff have skills and knowledge in: - normal and abnormal bird behaviour - fear reactions - signs of good health and poor health and disease - correct handling of birds - litter management - signs of thermal stress in birds and procedures to be followed in event of a problem

KH.AH.7.b

You are satisfied that any contractors used are competent.

KH.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

KH.AH.7.1.a

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

KH.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

KH.AH.7.2 Key

Standards

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

KH.AH.8

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KH.AH.8.a

If mortality exceeds 0.5% in a 24 hour period the cause is investigated.

KH.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

KH.AH.9.e

Decision to euthanase made by a trained and competent.

KH.AH.9.f

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

KH.AH.9.g

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

KH.AH.9.h

Unviable ducklings are identified and euthanased.

KH.AH.9.i

Staff that euthanase ducklings are trained.

Documented method of euthanasia

KH.AH.10.1

Standards

Where a flock has tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis and/or Typhimurium environmental swabs, representative of the building/housing must be taken and building/housing not restocked until two negative results have been obtained.

Environmental swab test results

KH.AH.10.2

Standards

Hatcheries must be monitored for Salmonella.

How you will be measured

KH.AH.10.2.a

Tests are carried out in a Government authorised laboratory.

Salmonella testing records kept for two years

  • AH.4.1 – Access to water for bathing can assist ducks in meeting their biological requirements, such as wet preening. It is accepted that it is often impractical to provide open water for most birds because of risks to health, hygiene and food safety. It should be possible to observe ducks dipping their heads under the water, and being able to take water up by their bill and shaking water over their body without difficulty.