Avian Influenza found in UK: concern for animal welfare if virus found in poultry

News Release Compassion in World Farming

05 April 2006

In light of the first possible case of avian influenza being found in the UK, CIWF is calling on authorities to ensure that any necessary disease management efforts protect both human and animal welfare.

If avian influenza moves intro poultry, any consequent cull should be swift, efficient and above all humane to prevent the spread of the virus, CIWF has warned.

CIWF is calling on the UK government to ensure that its emergency slaughter programme is fully planned and coordinated and based on good science, not panic.

"If avian influenza is subsequently found in poultry, in order for animals not to suffer, and to prevent increased risk of spread of the disease to people, humane slaughter methods should be used. This means birds should be killed immediately without suffering or they must be adequately stunned and remain unconscious until the time of slaughter, in line with EU regulations and the World Organisation for Animal Health's internationally accepted guidelines," says CIWF chief executive Philip Lymbery.

"Chaotic and cruel slaughter methods already seen in some countries - such as burning or burying birds alive - only risk the further spread of this virus, as the European Food Safety Authority has already recognised. The 2001 foot and mouth outbreak in the UK saw some of the best animal welfare legislation in the world being ignored with many reports of animals not being properly slaughtered and surviving for long periods in great pain and distress. The 2003 avian flu outbreak in the Netherlands, another country with generally high welfare standards, also involved significant animal suffering that could have been avoided."

If plans are announced to bring free-range and organic poultry indoors while an outbreak is tackled CIWF believes this should be carried out only in response to a real and substantial local risk and should last only as long as this real risk is present. Birds moved indoors should be provided enrichment to promote foraging and reduce feather pecking.

"It's more important now than ever before for consumers to support free-range and organic poultry and egg farmers by buying their products. It would be a tragedy indeed if this virus were allowed to take away from farming the humanity that free-range and organic producers have brought to it."

Ends

For further information contact:

Kerry Burgess
+44 (0)7787 148759

General press enquiries, images:
Laurence Stephenson
+44 (0)1730 237360 or
+44 (0)7771 926005

Technical and policy comment:
Dr Lesley Lambert
+44 (0) 7881 658733

Editors' Notes

Briefings and further information:

CIWF Avian Influenza Overview Briefing: http://www.ciwf.org/campaigns/hot_topics/Avian%20Flu%20Outline%20Brief.pdf

CIWF has produced a range of briefing documents on avian influenza which will be regularly updated as the situation develops, and which are available at www.ciwf.org OIE statement on animal welfare and avian influenza: http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_051028.htm

OIE guidelines on humane slaughter for disease control: http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/mcode/en_chapitre_3.7.6.htm

EFSA AHAW opinion on animal welfare aspects of avian influenza: http://www.efsa.eu.int/science/ahaw/ahaw_opinions/1145_en.html
(Annex to the Opinion, pp70-77)

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Compassion in World Farming Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 1730 233 904
+44 (0) 7771 926 005
Fax: +44 (0) 1730 260 791
e-mail: press@ciwf.co.uk

Source: Compassion in World Farming Limited
Author: CIWF

Link: Avian influenza H5 suspected in a dead wild swan in United Kingdom: UK authorities applying precautionary measures
Link: Bird flu - developments/oversight
Link: EU:Avian Influenza: several preventive and control measures agreed by Standing Committee
Link: Interactive Guide
Link: Swan tested for lethal flu strain


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